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In a fresh escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, bridges have become major targets...For four days in a row, Russia has attacked Kyiv's two key bridges, aiming to paralyse the Ukrainian capital, as they connect the western and eastern parts of the city.Just a short while ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attacking a civilian vessel in the Black Sea, with Indian nationals aboard. According to him, the ship's captain was killed in the strike. However, Romania, which rescued 11 crew members aboard this ship, reported two fatalities...Now, take a look at this footage...Visuals showed cars moving on Kyiv's northern bridge, as a drone crashed into it, before exploding, creating a ball of fire. A cloud of smoke could be seen rising above the bridge.This was the second attack on this bridge, in as many days...Two people were injured in this Russian drone strike, which took place even as German President Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit.According to Zelensky, this was an attempt by Russia to force civilian evacuations from big cities.On its part, Russia vowed to step up its attacks on military and related infrastructure targets in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, in response to Zelensky's recent comments about intensifying strikes on Russian oil refineries.Ukraine also accused Russia of conducting missile strikes on Kharkiv overnight, killing one person and injuring six others. Visuals showed firefighters battling a blaze, as vehicles as well as multiple buildings were damaged.According to Odesa's governor, Russian air strikes also targeted industrial and port infrastructure in the region, causing fires.Additionally, Moscow struck two Ukrainian cargo vessels in the Black Sea....Now, Kyiv's southern bridge was targeted for the first time on October 1. Visuals showed the moment when an explosion struck this bridge, and a column of smoke start rising.A day later, Russia again struck this bridge. Take a look at this image, of a jet-powered drone striking the bridge....The relentless Russian attacks have forced temporary closure of key bridges in Kyiv, thereby leading to traffic chaos...This comes amid a surge in Russia's use of jet-powered drones.According to the Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Russian forces fired over three thousand one hundred seventy-seven jet-powered drones, in September alone.With the advanced variant of these drones having a speed of 600 kilometres per hour, and the ability to strike targets from 950 kilometres away, they are much harder to intercept.Apart from the speed, there might be another reason for this.According to a Ukrainian official, Russia might have hidden small signal boosters or repeaters, to help its long-range drones evade air defences and strike with greater precision.These are essentially small concealed radio relay devices that receive and transmit encrypted signals across multiple connections.This helps extend the range of drone operators, while maintaining control in areas whereas GPS signals may be disrupted.Thus, it is harder for Ukraine to disrupt these drones through electronic jamming.Last week, Zelensky himself admitted that Ukraine was able to intercept only 57% of Russia's jet-powered drones.Meanwhile, Ukraine and Germany signed 15 agreements, worth over 1.46 billion dollars, during Merz's visit to Kyiv.In a boost for Ukraine, Germany's package focuses on air defence capabilities, including joint production of interceptors against jet-powered drones.Berlin will also provide long-range weapons, satellite technology and combat drones to Kyiv.On this occasion, Zelensky also expressed willingness to hold trilateral talks with Russia and U.S. this month in UAE or any other country proposed by America.Meanwhile, Russia declined to comment on a New York Times report which claimed that a multi-billion dollar oil deal was a part of Washington's talks with Moscow on ending the war in Ukraine...With Moscow once again asking foreign nationals including diplomats to leave Kyiv, it is amply clear that we are entering a dangerous phase in the Ukraine war.

Russia targets Kyiv's key bridges and intensifies jet-powered drone attacks as Ukraine reports strikes across the country and Germany announces new support.

In a fresh escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, bridges have become major targets... For four days in a row, Russia has attacked Kyiv's two key bridges, aiming to paralyse the Ukrainian capital, as they connect the western and eastern parts of the city. Just a short while ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of attacking a civilian vessel in the Black Sea, with Indian nationals aboard. According to him, the ship's captain was killed in the strike. However, Romania, which rescued 11 crew members aboard this ship, reported two fatalities... Now, take a look at this footage... Visuals showed cars moving on Kyiv's northern bridge, as a drone crashed into it, before exploding, creating a ball of fire. A cloud of smoke could be seen rising above the bridge. This was the second attack on this bridge, in as many days... Two people were injured in this Russian drone strike, which took place even as German President Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. According to Zelensky, this was an attempt by Russia to force civilian evacuations from big cities. On its part, Russia vowed to step up its attacks on military and related infrastructure targets in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine, in response to Zelensky's recent comments about intensifying strikes on Russian oil refineries. Ukraine also accused Russia of conducting missile strikes on Kharkiv overnight, killing one person and injuring six others. Visuals showed firefighters battling a blaze, as vehicles as well as multiple buildings were damaged. According to Odesa's governor, Russian air strikes also targeted industrial and port infrastructure in the region, causing fires. Additionally, Moscow struck two Ukrainian cargo vessels in the Black Sea.... Now, Kyiv's southern bridge was targeted for the first time on October 1. Visuals showed the moment when an explosion struck this bridge, and a column of smoke start rising. A day later, Russia again struck this bridge. Take a look at this image, of a jet-powered drone striking the bridge.... The relentless Russian attacks have forced temporary closure of key bridges in Kyiv, thereby leading to traffic chaos... This comes amid a surge in Russia's use of jet-powered drones. According to the Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Russian forces fired over three thousand one hundred seventy-seven jet-powered drones, in September alone. With the advanced variant of these drones having a speed of 600 kilometres per hour, and the ability to strike targets from 950 kilometres away, they are much harder to intercept. Apart from the speed, there might be another reason for this. According to a Ukrainian official, Russia might have hidden small signal boosters or repeaters, to help its long-range drones evade air defences and strike with greater precision. These are essentially small concealed radio relay devices that receive and transmit encrypted signals across multiple connections. This helps extend the range of drone operators, while maintaining control in areas whereas GPS signals may be disrupted. Thus, it is harder for Ukraine to disrupt these drones through electronic jamming. Last week, Zelensky himself admitted that Ukraine was able to intercept only 57% of Russia's jet-powered drones. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Germany signed 15 agreements, worth over 1.46 billion dollars, during Merz's visit to Kyiv. In a boost for Ukraine, Germany's package focuses on air defence capabilities, including joint production of interceptors against jet-powered drones. Berlin will also provide long-range weapons, satellite technology and combat drones to Kyiv. On this occasion, Zelensky also expressed willingness to hold trilateral talks with Russia and U.S. this month in UAE or any other country proposed by America. Meanwhile, Russia declined to comment on a New York Times report which claimed that a multi-billion dollar oil deal was a part of Washington's talks with Moscow on ending the war in Ukraine... With Moscow once again asking foreign nationals including diplomats to leave Kyiv, it is amply clear that we are entering a dangerous phase in the Ukraine war.

Russia targets Kyiv's key bridges and intensifies jet-powered drone attacks as Ukraine reports strikes across the country and Germany announces new support.

Putin turns Kyiv into a kill zone, Ukraine unable to stop Russia's jet drones | GRAVITAS

India-US trade deal talks have reached a "plateau,", said Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 5. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, she claimed that a concessions or a reciprocal give-and-take from either side would be "very very difficult." She added that Washington wants to reduce deficit with India, and address perceived past losses."It's been a hard and very rigorously negotiated agreement. The negotiations are still ongoing. Although we'd like to believe that both sides have reached a plateau beyond which giving or taking might be very very difficult," said Sitharaman. "But maybe if there are rooms to operate from both sides would do it."US is one of the very few nation with which India runs a trade surplus. In the 2025-26 financial year, bilateral trade between the two nations hit a record $140.80 billion. India's exports to the US reached $87.32 billion while imports from the US stood at $53.49 billion. The US has been seeking to narrow its trade deficit with India, while New Delhi has been looking to secure greater market access and protect areas considered sensitive.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-acp-vivek-bhagat-promoted-additional-dcp-journalist-harassment-1791218843042">'Rewarded for molestation?': Delhi Police ACP accused of harassing journalist promoted to Additional DCP</a>"Negotiation used to be the only platform through which countries could highlight the discrepancies, highlight the lopsidedness, and say would we want to correct this. And how would you correct it because you have demand in your country, I can supply, so open up on that," she said.“Now the imbalance is being sought to be addressed through other means, where you rightly said tariff has become weaponised,” said Nirmala sitharaman.Contrastingly India runs a massive trade deficit with India which has continued to widen since 2014. The bilateral trade volume between India and China for 2025-26 is at $151.10 billion. Driven by a 16% surge in industrial imports, China overtook the US to become India's single largest trading partner. While India runs a $112.16 billion deficit with China.&nbsp;"The trade imbalance with China for India, for instance, since 2014 has been growing exponentially," she said. "So I can probably take the same position with China because it's so lopsided it is terribly against me. But, no - you can't. You will have to talk it out. You will have to negotiate. You will have to have some give and take. That's the difference."On Saturday, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that India-US trade deal was at final stages but not “imminent”.The current impasse follows a foundational framework for an interim trade agreement that both nations officially announced in February 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India-US trade deal talks have reached a “plateau”, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, citing difficulties over further concessions and trade imbalances.

India-US trade deal talks have reached a "plateau,", said Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 5. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, she claimed that a concessions or a reciprocal give-and-take from either side would be "very very difficult." She added that Washington wants to reduce deficit with India, and address perceived past losses. "It's been a hard and very rigorously negotiated agreement. The negotiations are still ongoing. Although we'd like to believe that both sides have reached a plateau beyond which giving or taking might be very very difficult," said Sitharaman. "But maybe if there are rooms to operate from both sides would do it." US is one of the very few nation with which India runs a trade surplus. In the 2025-26 financial year, bilateral trade between the two nations hit a record $140.80 billion. India's exports to the US reached $87.32 billion while imports from the US stood at $53.49 billion. The US has been seeking to narrow its trade deficit with India, while New Delhi has been looking to secure greater market access and protect areas considered sensitive. Also Read:'Rewarded for molestation?': Delhi Police ACP accused of harassing journalist promoted to Additional DCP "Negotiation used to be the only platform through which countries could highlight the discrepancies, highlight the lopsidedness, and say would we want to correct this. And how would you correct it because you have demand in your country, I can supply, so open up on that," she said. “Now the imbalance is being sought to be addressed through other means, where you rightly said tariff has become weaponised,” said Nirmala sitharaman. Contrastingly India runs a massive trade deficit with India which has continued to widen since 2014. The bilateral trade volume between India and China for 2025-26 is at $151.10 billion. Driven by a 16% surge in industrial imports, China overtook the US to become India's single largest trading partner. While India runs a $112.16 billion deficit with China. "The trade imbalance with China for India, for instance, since 2014 has been growing exponentially," she said. "So I can probably take the same position with China because it's so lopsided it is terribly against me. But, no - you can't. You will have to talk it out. You will have to negotiate. You will have to have some give and take. That's the difference." On Saturday, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that India-US trade deal was at final stages but not “imminent”.The current impasse follows a foundational framework for an interim trade agreement that both nations officially announced in February 2026.

India-US trade deal talks have reached a “plateau”, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, citing difficulties over further concessions and trade imbalances.

India-US trade deal talks hit ‘plateau’, Nirmala Sitharaman says

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Swiss President Guy Parmelin three award-winning Indian cheeses during the Swiss leader’s first state visit to India, a gesture that placed India’s emerging dairy craft alongside a country long associated with cheese.&nbsp;Parmelin arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit at the Indian PM’s invitation. It is his second trip to India this year; he attended the AI Impact Summit in the capital in February. The two leaders held bilateral talks and signed agreements covering transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;The cheeses—Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor—officials say show a glimpse of India’s growing cheese-making tradition. Gulmarg is a heart-shaped, French-style Brie made from pasteurised cow milk. It has a snowy-white rind and earthy, mushroom-like notes, and received a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-remains-a-critical-economic-and-strategic-partner-for-india-jaishankar-1791218082943">‘US remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India’: Jaishankar</a>&nbsp;Konark follows the French Tomme style—a rustic, natural-rind cheese with a supple texture, savoury flavours and a lemony finish. It won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and silver in Switzerland in 2025.&nbsp;Yeoor is an Alpine-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyère, matured for about eight to nine months. Its makers say the ageing produces nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavours. The rind is decorated with rose petals and fennel, and the cheese is described as suitable for fondue and grilling.&nbsp;Switzerland is home to more than 450 recognised cheese varieties. Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ll-settle-score-with-everyone-involved-in-oct-7-attack-says-netanyahu-at-memorial-1791209583749">‘We’ll settle score with everyone involved in Oct. 7 attack,’ says Netanyahu at memorial</a>&nbsp;The Indian PM also gave the president a hand-carved wall panel in Himalayan walnut wood from Kashmir. The deep-relief carving depicts landscapes, flora, human figures, horses, carriages and village scenes, drawing on a craft tradition shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences.&nbsp;The president’s wife, Caroline, received a handwoven Kutchi shawl presented in a Sadeli box from Surat. The shawl, from Kutch in Gujarat, is known for geometric motifs and supplementary-weft weaving; the box is assembled from precisely layered contrasting materials in traditional geometric patterns. India’s gift diplomacy often pairs regional crafts with food.

Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Swiss President Guy Parmelin three award-winning Indian cheeses during the Swiss leader’s first state visit to India, a gesture that placed India’s emerging dairy craft alongside a country long associated with cheese. Parmelin arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit at the Indian PM’s invitation. It is his second trip to India this year; he attended the AI Impact Summit in the capital in February. The two leaders held bilateral talks and signed agreements covering transport technologies, mobility systems and infrastructure. The cheeses—Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor—officials say show a glimpse of India’s growing cheese-making tradition. Gulmarg is a heart-shaped, French-style Brie made from pasteurised cow milk. It has a snowy-white rind and earthy, mushroom-like notes, and received a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil. Also Read: ‘US remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India’: Jaishankar Konark follows the French Tomme style—a rustic, natural-rind cheese with a supple texture, savoury flavours and a lemony finish. It won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and silver in Switzerland in 2025. Yeoor is an Alpine-style cheese inspired by Swiss Gruyère, matured for about eight to nine months. Its makers say the ageing produces nutty, sweet and herbaceous flavours. The rind is decorated with rose petals and fennel, and the cheese is described as suitable for fondue and grilling. Switzerland is home to more than 450 recognised cheese varieties. Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy. Also Read: ‘We’ll settle score with everyone involved in Oct. 7 attack,’ says Netanyahu at memorial The Indian PM also gave the president a hand-carved wall panel in Himalayan walnut wood from Kashmir. The deep-relief carving depicts landscapes, flora, human figures, horses, carriages and village scenes, drawing on a craft tradition shaped by indigenous and Central Asian influences. The president’s wife, Caroline, received a handwoven Kutchi shawl presented in a Sadeli box from Surat. The shawl, from Kutch in Gujarat, is known for geometric motifs and supplementary-weft weaving; the box is assembled from precisely layered contrasting materials in traditional geometric patterns. India’s gift diplomacy often pairs regional crafts with food.

Presenting Indian interpretations of European styles, including one modelled on a Swiss classic, and another that has already been judged in Switzerland, was widely read as a deliberate piece of culinary diplomacy.

PM Modi gifts Swiss president made-in-India cheese

Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right?The answer to this will decide the course of South America's political journey.The battle between Brazil’s veteran left-wing leader and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is inching closer to a conclusion.After the first round, it is Flavio Bolsonaro who has entered the runoff with the lead.With virtually all votes counted, Flavio secured about 47% of the valid vote, compared with roughly 45% for Lula.With no outright winner, Brazil now heads for a decisive second round on October 25.Beyond the numbers, it is also a contest over what political direction Brazil and Latin America take next.It is Bolsonaro's Liberal Party versus Lula's Workers' Party.If Flavio Bolsonaro's surname is his biggest political asset, it is a challenge too because he has to live up to how his father, Jair Bolsonaro, transformed Brazil's conservative movement.Jair Bolsonaro was later convicted over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result, which he lost to Lula, and is now serving a 27-year prison sentence.His son has taken up the political mantle, and Flavio's first-round performance shows that the Bolsonaro political brand remains a significant force in Brazil.So what does Flávio Bolsonaro's rise mean for Brazil's relationship with Donald Trump?The US president has made no secret of his interest in Brazil's political direction.Trump has hosted Flávio Bolsonaro at the White House and has publicly praised him, calling him quite: "A smart young man who loves his country very much."On the other hand, his relationship with Lula has become increasingly complicated over tariffs.The Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on Brazilian imports, affecting a significant portion of Brazil's exports to the United States.Lula accused Washington of interfering in Brazil's affairs. Suddenly, an election inside Brazil became entangled with a much larger argument: who gets to decide Brazil's political and economic future?Lula's message has increasingly been that Brazil should not allow foreign governments to dictate its choices. This argument has particular resonance because Trump's administration has become more openly aligned with conservative political forces across Latin America.But in contrast, Flavio represents a very different foreign-policy orientation. His campaign has positioned itself closer to the conservative governments and movements that have been gaining ground across the region.The campaign has revolved heavily around crime, the cost of living, corruption, household debt and concerns about public finances.Brazil's economy has continued to grow, and unemployment and inequality have improved, but concerns over living costs and government debt remain politically important.After the first round, Flavio declared that Brazil was witnessing the "end of the era" of Lula's Workers' Party.Lula, meanwhile, has another campaign to fight. At 80, he is seeking an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive presidential term. His response after the result was straightforward: the first campaign is over; a new campaign begins now.Flávio has momentum; Lula has experience.Neither has won yet.All eyes are now on October 25 as the battle between two political legacies unfolds.

Brazil heads for a decisive runoff between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro as voters weigh competing political legacies and the country's future direction.

Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right? The answer to this will decide the course of South America's political journey. The battle between Brazil’s veteran left-wing leader and current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, is inching closer to a conclusion. After the first round, it is Flavio Bolsonaro who has entered the runoff with the lead. With virtually all votes counted, Flavio secured about 47% of the valid vote, compared with roughly 45% for Lula. With no outright winner, Brazil now heads for a decisive second round on October 25. Beyond the numbers, it is also a contest over what political direction Brazil and Latin America take next. It is Bolsonaro's Liberal Party versus Lula's Workers' Party. If Flavio Bolsonaro's surname is his biggest political asset, it is a challenge too because he has to live up to how his father, Jair Bolsonaro, transformed Brazil's conservative movement. Jair Bolsonaro was later convicted over a plot to overturn the 2022 election result, which he lost to Lula, and is now serving a 27-year prison sentence. His son has taken up the political mantle, and Flavio's first-round performance shows that the Bolsonaro political brand remains a significant force in Brazil. So what does Flávio Bolsonaro's rise mean for Brazil's relationship with Donald Trump? The US president has made no secret of his interest in Brazil's political direction. Trump has hosted Flávio Bolsonaro at the White House and has publicly praised him, calling him quite: "A smart young man who loves his country very much." On the other hand, his relationship with Lula has become increasingly complicated over tariffs. The Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on Brazilian imports, affecting a significant portion of Brazil's exports to the United States. Lula accused Washington of interfering in Brazil's affairs. Suddenly, an election inside Brazil became entangled with a much larger argument: who gets to decide Brazil's political and economic future? Lula's message has increasingly been that Brazil should not allow foreign governments to dictate its choices. This argument has particular resonance because Trump's administration has become more openly aligned with conservative political forces across Latin America. But in contrast, Flavio represents a very different foreign-policy orientation. His campaign has positioned itself closer to the conservative governments and movements that have been gaining ground across the region. The campaign has revolved heavily around crime, the cost of living, corruption, household debt and concerns about public finances. Brazil's economy has continued to grow, and unemployment and inequality have improved, but concerns over living costs and government debt remain politically important. After the first round, Flavio declared that Brazil was witnessing the "end of the era" of Lula's Workers' Party. Lula, meanwhile, has another campaign to fight. At 80, he is seeking an unprecedented fourth non-consecutive presidential term. His response after the result was straightforward: the first campaign is over; a new campaign begins now. Flávio has momentum; Lula has experience. Neither has won yet. All eyes are now on October 25 as the battle between two political legacies unfolds.

Brazil heads for a decisive runoff between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro as voters weigh competing political legacies and the country's future direction.

Is Brazil headed towards a complete shift to the right? Lula vs Bolsonaro | Race To Power

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that the United States remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India and emphasised that New Delhi simultaneously has improved ties with China, Russia, Europe and the Gulf as part of a “multi-alignment” approach.Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Jaishankar said Washington is India’s principal strategic partner and a major economic, trade and defence partner.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Where the US is concerned, it is one of our principal strategic partners. It is our largest economic account, it’s our biggest trade account, and it’s a very major critical defence partner...In an age of flux, how do you deal with the US? How do you deal with the rise of China? How do you respond to a much more stable traditional relationship with Russia? And how do you explore new possibilities with Europe, where we have concluded an FTA with Europe and the UK as well?” the external affairs minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#WATCH | Delhi: At the Kautilya Conclave, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar says, &quot;Where the US is concerned, it is one of our principal strategic partners. It is our largest economic account, it's our biggest trade account, and it's a very major critical defence partner...in an age of flux, how do you deal with the US? How do you deal with the rise of China? How do you respond to a much more stable traditional relationship with Russia? And how do you explore new possibilities with Europe, where we have concluded an FTA with Europe and the UK as well?...&quot;&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2107101100075778262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘America deal can boost Indian economy,’ says Jaishankar</h2>&nbsp;The External Affairs Minister also said that India’s proposed trade deal with the United States could provide a significant boost to the economy by expanding market access and deepening ties with one of the world’s largest and most lucrative markets.&nbsp;Jaishankar described the India-US trade agreement under negotiation as a “big step with great possibilities”, alongside recently concluded trade agreements with the European Union, the UK and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).&nbsp;“These are big steps with great possibilities which would have a beneficial impact on the economy,” he said, adding that the agreements would also help bring greater balance to India’s trade relationships.&nbsp;“We need to be very objective about where the problems are today in the trading system,” he said, adding that the US, as the world’s biggest economy and a major trading power, cannot be left out of any effort to reform the global trade system.&nbsp;Jaishankar further added that India’s trade strategy should focus not merely on reducing bilateral deficits but on addressing market-access restrictions that contribute to those deficits.&nbsp;The minister said that as per the “multi-alignment” approach, India seeks to advance multiple relationships based on their respective opportunities and challenges. “Every relationship is net-net a plus for us,” he said.<h2>‘Can’t say US is to blame for all trade problems’</h2>&nbsp;External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also cautioned against blaming Washington for all the problems facing global trade and said that several market distortions in the global trading system have emerged from sources other than the US and need to be assessed objectively.&nbsp;“We can’t say US is to blame for all the trade problems,” Jaishankar said.&nbsp;<h2>‘UN gridlocked, has become irrelevant in many cases’</h2>&nbsp;Foreign minister S Jaishankar reiterated the call for reform in the United Nations, saying the global body has become irrelevant in many cases.“Where the UN is concerned, I think it’s obvious to everybody by now that the UN is gridlocked. That if you look at the big issues of the day, whether you look at the conflict in the Gulf, whether you look at the conflict in Ukraine, whether you look at other issues in Africa, whether you look at COVID, actually, the United Nations has been largely irrelevant to the decision-making,” he said.&nbsp;About the UN Security Council, he said, there is a widely held view that the Security Council no longer represents the entirety of the global interest.The UN, he recalled, started with 51 members and now has grown almost four times.“If you have grown four times and you want to keep the old board of management, it is not going to work. It is common sense,” he said.&nbsp;“The UN has done a big service to the international community. Our job must be to fix the UN, not to work around the UN. But the UN itself has to help with that process,” he added.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India’s proposed trade deal with the United States could provide a significant boost to the economy by expanding market access and deepening ties with one of the world’s largest and most lucrative markets.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday that the United States remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India and emphasised that New Delhi simultaneously has improved ties with China, Russia, Europe and the Gulf as part of a “multi-alignment” approach. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Jaishankar said Washington is India’s principal strategic partner and a major economic, trade and defence partner. “Where the US is concerned, it is one of our principal strategic partners. It is our largest economic account, it’s our biggest trade account, and it’s a very major critical defence partner...In an age of flux, how do you deal with the US? How do you deal with the rise of China? How do you respond to a much more stable traditional relationship with Russia? And how do you explore new possibilities with Europe, where we have concluded an FTA with Europe and the UK as well?” the external affairs minister said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India’s proposed trade deal with the United States could provide a significant boost to the economy by expanding market access and deepening ties with one of the world’s largest and most lucrative markets.

‘US remains a critical economic and strategic partner for India’: Jaishankar

Bruno Antonio Malatesta, a 59-year-old Italian Yoga Guru and self-proclaimed spiritual guide, had been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing students, some of whom were reportedly minors. He was arrested on October 1, 2026, during a major police operation code-named “Operazione Asmodeo” and is now being held in custody.Malatesta used to operate his community under the name Fiore della Pace (Flower of Peace) Foundation. He presented himself as a master of the Shaivist Hindu tradition. Investigators believe on the guise of his pseudo-spiritual cult disguised as a wellness community in Almese, near Turin, Italy, he used to prey on young girls, vulnerable women and sometimes those suffering from mental illness. He used to lure them to his retreat, where he supposedly used to run courses in yoga, meditation and martial arts. Once in the retreat, he allegedly would enslave them and subject them to physical, psychological and sexual abuse.Malatesta used to call the women “nuns” or “handmaids”,were subjected to strict rules of obedience. They were forced to shave their heads, wear orange, work long days on agricultural land, and were punished for breaking rules, including being beaten and made to sleep on the floor. Malatesta, known in the sect as the “master”, frequently subjected minors to sexual abuse in the name of “purification”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-cji-surya-kant-eci-modified-form-6-sir-1791194930792">CJI Surya Kant says Supreme Court never approved modified Form 6 for SIR</a>“He said that in our previous life we ​​were b*tch witches. That we all are. He would save us by taking away the negative energies. For example, by placing his hands on our breasts. Otherwise, evil would come,” said one 27-year-old victim, Pandora (not her real name). She was 11 when she was forced to cook, clean and work on the land after joining the sect on the recommendation of her mother, who was also a member.Cult members were coerced into ceding all their money and worldly possessions to his foundation. He also sold his own paintings for up to €150,000, claiming they held protective, bio-energetic powersThere were two other women and a man who are still to be arrested. The women used to look after the logistical aspect of the cult; one nicknamed &nbsp;‘the mistress’, while the other had the role of professional psychologist. The man, nicknamed “monk”, was a masseur and accused of performing ‘sexual therapy’ on the female victims.&nbsp;The crackdown followed a meticulous two-year investigation by the Turin Carabinieri. Following his arrest, at least 20 women who were living in the villa complex were extracted by authorities and relocated to safe houses. Malatesta began practising martial arts at six years old before encountering the teachings of the Hindu yogi Paramahansa Yogananda and founding the Almese community in 2014. He was under investigation in 2018 after complaints were filed by the ex-husband of an alleged victim in 2018. The cult's severe inner workings went unchecked by local justice systems for over six years before further complaints prompted a fresh investigation in 2024; official action was finally taken in September 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Italian yoga guru Bruno Antonio Malatesta, who presented himself as a master of the Shaivist Hindu tradition, has been arrested in Italy over allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse of students, including minors.

Bruno Antonio Malatesta, a 59-year-old Italian Yoga Guru and self-proclaimed spiritual guide, had been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing students, some of whom were reportedly minors. He was arrested on October 1, 2026, during a major police operation code-named “Operazione Asmodeo” and is now being held in custody. Malatesta used to operate his community under the name Fiore della Pace (Flower of Peace) Foundation. He presented himself as a master of the Shaivist Hindu tradition. Investigators believe on the guise of his pseudo-spiritual cult disguised as a wellness community in Almese, near Turin, Italy, he used to prey on young girls, vulnerable women and sometimes those suffering from mental illness. He used to lure them to his retreat, where he supposedly used to run courses in yoga, meditation and martial arts. Once in the retreat, he allegedly would enslave them and subject them to physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Malatesta used to call the women “nuns” or “handmaids”,were subjected to strict rules of obedience. They were forced to shave their heads, wear orange, work long days on agricultural land, and were punished for breaking rules, including being beaten and made to sleep on the floor. Malatesta, known in the sect as the “master”, frequently subjected minors to sexual abuse in the name of “purification” Also Read: CJI Surya Kant says Supreme Court never approved modified Form 6 for SIR “He said that in our previous life we were b*tch witches. That we all are. He would save us by taking away the negative energies. For example, by placing his hands on our breasts. Otherwise, evil would come,” said one 27-year-old victim, Pandora (not her real name). She was 11 when she was forced to cook, clean and work on the land after joining the sect on the recommendation of her mother, who was also a member. Cult members were coerced into ceding all their money and worldly possessions to his foundation. He also sold his own paintings for up to €150,000, claiming they held protective, bio-energetic powers There were two other women and a man who are still to be arrested. The women used to look after the logistical aspect of the cult; one nicknamed ‘the mistress’, while the other had the role of professional psychologist. The man, nicknamed “monk”, was a masseur and accused of performing ‘sexual therapy’ on the female victims. The crackdown followed a meticulous two-year investigation by the Turin Carabinieri. Following his arrest, at least 20 women who were living in the villa complex were extracted by authorities and relocated to safe houses. Malatesta began practising martial arts at six years old before encountering the teachings of the Hindu yogi Paramahansa Yogananda and founding the Almese community in 2014. He was under investigation in 2018 after complaints were filed by the ex-husband of an alleged victim in 2018. The cult's severe inner workings went unchecked by local justice systems for over six years before further complaints prompted a fresh investigation in 2024; official action was finally taken in September 2026.

Italian yoga guru Bruno Antonio Malatesta, who presented himself as a master of the Shaivist Hindu tradition, has been arrested in Italy over allegations of sexual, physical and psychological abuse of students, including minors.

Italian ‘yoga guru’ arrested after shocking abuse allegations emerge from retreat

Ukraine is using artificial intelligence(AI)-enabled robot guns to shoot down Russia's new and fast-moving jet-powered drones, the Ukrainian air force confirmed on Monday (October 5). Ukraine has been finding a way for months to counter the new Russian drones pounding the Ukrainian capital. This comes after Russia began deploying newer jet-powered drones capable of moving faster, which makes them harder to intercept than the traditional models, which are based on Iranian Shahed drones. In response, air force spokesman Colonel Yuri Ignat told national television, "As part of Ukraine's efforts to respond, robotic turrets are now being installed on bridges." "There have already been shoot-downs of the drones, including the bigger, faster and more powerful Geran-5 version," he told national television.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-women-firearms-training-us-israel-tensions-janfada-1791201845744"> Iranian women undergo firearms training amid rising tensions with US, Israel</a><h3>Homegrown Ukrainian innovation</h3>Ignat elaborated that these newly deployed turrets across Kyiv rely on optical vision and artificial intelligence working in tandem, effectively removing human involvement from the strike process. Sergiy Beskrestnov, who advises Ukraine's defence ministry on technology, described the system over the weekend on Telegram as a homegrown Ukrainian innovation: automated turrets equipped with AI-controlled machine guns designed specifically to take down drones. According to Beskrestnov, 12 of these turrets are already operational in Kyiv, with plans underway to expand their numbers further. Ignat, however, conceded that the system currently operates within a limited radius. "It can operate at about one kilometre plus. And it works when conditions are favourable, when the attack approach angle is suitable," he told AFP. "This is not some kind of panacea," he said, and underscored that the turrets were part of "an integrated air defence system that provides engagement of these targets at different tiers". "Of course we rely on all available assets." This development fits into a broader pattern for Ukraine as it has been accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence deeper into its military operations. And technology already being deployed on the front lines to steer drones, pinpoint targets, and orchestrate complex, large-scale missions.

This development fits into a broader pattern for Ukraine, as it has been accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence deeper into its military operations. And technology already being deployed on the front lines to steer drones, pinpoint targets, and orchestrate complex.

Ukraine is using artificial intelligence(AI)-enabled robot guns to shoot down Russia's new and fast-moving jet-powered drones, the Ukrainian air force confirmed on Monday (October 5). Ukraine has been finding a way for months to counter the new Russian drones pounding the Ukrainian capital. This comes after Russia began deploying newer jet-powered drones capable of moving faster, which makes them harder to intercept than the traditional models, which are based on Iranian Shahed drones. In response, air force spokesman Colonel Yuri Ignat told national television, "As part of Ukraine's efforts to respond, robotic turrets are now being installed on bridges." "There have already been shoot-downs of the drones, including the bigger, faster and more powerful Geran-5 version," he told national television. Also read: Iranian women undergo firearms training amid rising tensions with US, Israel Homegrown Ukrainian innovation Ignat elaborated that these newly deployed turrets across Kyiv rely on optical vision and artificial intelligence working in tandem, effectively removing human involvement from the strike process. Sergiy Beskrestnov, who advises Ukraine's defence ministry on technology, described the system over the weekend on Telegram as a homegrown Ukrainian innovation: automated turrets equipped with AI-controlled machine guns designed specifically to take down drones. According to Beskrestnov, 12 of these turrets are already operational in Kyiv, with plans underway to expand their numbers further. Ignat, however, conceded that the system currently operates within a limited radius. "It can operate at about one kilometre plus. And it works when conditions are favourable, when the attack approach angle is suitable," he told AFP. "This is not some kind of panacea," he said, and underscored that the turrets were part of "an integrated air defence system that provides engagement of these targets at different tiers". "Of course we rely on all available assets." This development fits into a broader pattern for Ukraine as it has been accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence deeper into its military operations. And technology already being deployed on the front lines to steer drones, pinpoint targets, and orchestrate complex, large-scale missions.

This development fits into a broader pattern for Ukraine, as it has been accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence deeper into its military operations. And technology already being deployed on the front lines to steer drones, pinpoint targets, and orchestrate complex.

Ukraine deploys AI-powered robot guns to shoot down Russia's drones

British Airways flight BA295 from London to Chicago reportedly squawked 7700, the international emergency transponder code, over Ireland on Monday and dropped more than 28,000 feet before being diverted to London, according to the flight-tracking website Flight Radar.&nbsp;The Boeing 777-200ER departed from London Heathrow at around 11.50 am local time and was on a scheduled eight-hour and 40-minute flight to Chicago. It climbed to around 37,000 feet before making a rapid descent to approximately 9,000 feet. The reason for the emergency has not been made clear yet.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#BA295 from London to Chicago squawking 7700 and descended down to 9000 feet above Ireland. 
https://t.co/KTkShOpJUh https://t.co/McVLR7XzEA&mdash; Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) <a href="https://x.com/flightradar24/status/2107078348241256791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident comes less than a week after a Flydubai incident on the Dubai-Tel Aviv route, which drew worldwide attention. Flight FZ1073 plunged 17,400 feet in just under two minutes. It was later revealed that the captain and the copilot of the flight had reportedly been involved in a physical struggle. Authorities are investigating the details of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;

British Airways flight BA295 from London to Chicago reportedly squawked 7700 and descended more than 28,000 feet over Ireland before returning to London.

British Airways flight BA295 from London to Chicago reportedly squawked 7700, the international emergency transponder code, over Ireland on Monday and dropped more than 28,000 feet before being diverted to London, according to the flight-tracking website Flight Radar. The Boeing 777-200ER departed from London Heathrow at around 11.50 am local time and was on a scheduled eight-hour and 40-minute flight to Chicago. It climbed to around 37,000 feet before making a rapid descent to approximately 9,000 feet. The reason for the emergency has not been made clear yet.

British Airways flight BA295 from London to Chicago reportedly squawked 7700 and descended more than 28,000 feet over Ireland before returning to London.

British Airways BA295 squawks 7700, drops 28,000 feet before turning back to London

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has a new career. She is joining Fox News as a contributor, the network announced on Monday. The 29-year-old ended her tenure as President Donald Trump's spokesperson in August this year. From November, she will have a new job and will appear across both Fox’s news and opinion programming, the New York Post reported, citing a press release.&nbsp;According to The Times, Leavitt no longer lives in Washington. After her White House duties ended, she shifted base to New Hampshire. Even though she no longer works for Trump, she had stated that she intends to support Republicans and Trump while being able to spend more time with her children. Leavitt has a son, who was born in July 2024, with her partner, Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer from New Hampshire who is 32 years older than her.&nbsp;Her second child, a baby girl, was born in May 2026. Leavitt is the second press secretary to work under Trump and move to Fox News. Before her, Kayleigh McEnany became a producer for Huckabee on Fox News. She was the national press secretary from 2019 to 2020 and served as senior advisor from October 2020 to January 2021.&nbsp;Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott told the Times that Leavitt's work at the White House and as a campaign manager gives her a distinctive view of the political landscape. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at Fox News Media,” Leavitt said. She added that she is ready to bring a "unique perspective from my experience as White House Press Secretary."&nbsp; &nbsp;

Karoline Leavitt has moved to New Hampshire and will start working with Fox News in November. The network announced her latest role on Monday and says that her campaign and White House experience gives her a unique view of the political happenings.

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has a new career. She is joining Fox News as a contributor, the network announced on Monday. The 29-year-old ended her tenure as President Donald Trump's spokesperson in August this year. From November, she will have a new job and will appear across both Fox’s news and opinion programming, the New York Post reported, citing a press release. According to The Times, Leavitt no longer lives in Washington. After her White House duties ended, she shifted base to New Hampshire. Even though she no longer works for Trump, she had stated that she intends to support Republicans and Trump while being able to spend more time with her children. Leavitt has a son, who was born in July 2024, with her partner, Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer from New Hampshire who is 32 years older than her. Her second child, a baby girl, was born in May 2026. Leavitt is the second press secretary to work under Trump and move to Fox News. Before her, Kayleigh McEnany became a producer for Huckabee on Fox News. She was the national press secretary from 2019 to 2020 and served as senior advisor from October 2020 to January 2021. Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott told the Times that Leavitt's work at the White House and as a campaign manager gives her a distinctive view of the political landscape. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at Fox News Media,” Leavitt said. She added that she is ready to bring a "unique perspective from my experience as White House Press Secretary."

Karoline Leavitt has moved to New Hampshire and will start working with Fox News in November. The network announced her latest role on Monday and says that her campaign and White House experience gives her a unique view of the political happenings.

Karoline Leavitt has a new career - Former White House press secretary is joining Fox News

Israel will continue to pursue everyone involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a state ceremony commemorating the soldiers and security forces who have fallen in the three years since the Hamas invasion.&nbsp;“Everyone who was involved in the attack against us, everyone who held our hostages, is living on borrowed time.”“We will reach them, as we reached the others,” Netanyahu warned, adding that Israel is settling scores with Hamas terrorists every day.&nbsp;Netanyahu further stressed that Israel still has more missions before it — “and we intend to complete them.”&nbsp;In Lebanon, Israel will continue striking Hezbollah, said Netanyahu, adding, “and we will create a chance for peace with a country in which the overwhelming majority wants peace with us.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-drops-union-minister-hardeep-singh-puri-and-7-other-sitting-mps-from-up-rajya-sabha-poll-list-1791203054532">BJP drops Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and 7 other sitting MPs from UP Rajya Sabha poll list</a><h2>‘Will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence’</h2>&nbsp;Netanyahu also vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. The Iranian regime, “is the weakest that it has been since its founding,” he said.“It is fighting for its life, and in the end, it will pass from the world,” he claimed.Iran had a three-part plan to destroy Israel, he argued.“Terrorist proxies around us who were designed to bleed us; thousands of lethal missiles aimed at our territory, aimed at our cities; and most importantly, nuclear bombs that were designed to destroy our country, to erase it from the face of the earth,” he said.&nbsp;Israeli soldiers cut off Iran’s terror arms and pushed enemies back from the country’s borders to create buffer zones, the Israeli PM said.“We struck the ballistic missile stores in Iran itself. Ee hit its nuclear programme hard — scientists, sites, infrastructure,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;<h2>‘There will be no Hamas rule in Gaza,’ says PM</h2>&nbsp;Prime Minister Netanyahu also vowed that Hamas would not govern the Gaza Strip. “In Gaza there will not be any Hamas rule,” he promised.President Isaac Herzog also warned that Israel cannot ignore internal or external signs of trouble, regardless of division within the state.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-afraid-of-death-flydubai-co-pilot-tells-probe-team-confesses-he-wanted-to-crash-jet-1791125529918">‘Not afraid of death': Flydubai co-pilot tells probe team, 'planned to crash into Tel Aviv tower, Ben Gurion'</a>&nbsp;“Over the past three years, Michal and I have tried, every single day, to listen, to learn, to honor and to remember all your loved ones,” he said, while addressing the bereaved families.“We ask to share your pain, to shed tears with you, to bow our heads in their memory and, together with all of Israel, to remember and remind ourselves of what we have lost, all of us, and what we can never bring back.”&nbsp;<h2>‘We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely,’ says IDF chief</h2>&nbsp;IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said it is Israel’s “duty” to fully investigate the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023 in order to ensure its lessons are learned.&nbsp;Marking three years since the deadly attack, Zamir said, “An entire nation bows its head in mourning. We remember the civilians murdered in their homes, the young people who went out to dance and never returned, those who were abducted and murdered in captivity, the male and female combat soldiers and all the soldiers who fell, the members of the security forces, and the emergency and rescue teams who rushed into the inferno and fell in battle.”&nbsp;“It is our duty to investigate and ensure that the lessons are implemented so that we may be more worthy of the trust the people have placed in us,” Zamir added.&nbsp;“We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely in their homeland…. This is our duty to the fallen, our responsibility to the citizens of Israel, and our oath to future generations,” he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. He said the Iranian regime is at its weakest since its founding. Netanyahu also stressed that Israel will continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel will continue to pursue everyone involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a state ceremony commemorating the soldiers and security forces who have fallen in the three years since the Hamas invasion. “Everyone who was involved in the attack against us, everyone who held our hostages, is living on borrowed time.” “We will reach them, as we reached the others,” Netanyahu warned, adding that Israel is settling scores with Hamas terrorists every day. Netanyahu further stressed that Israel still has more missions before it — “and we intend to complete them.” In Lebanon, Israel will continue striking Hezbollah, said Netanyahu, adding, “and we will create a chance for peace with a country in which the overwhelming majority wants peace with us.” Also Read: BJP drops Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and 7 other sitting MPs from UP Rajya Sabha poll list ‘Will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence’ Netanyahu also vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. The Iranian regime, “is the weakest that it has been since its founding,” he said. “It is fighting for its life, and in the end, it will pass from the world,” he claimed. Iran had a three-part plan to destroy Israel, he argued. “Terrorist proxies around us who were designed to bleed us; thousands of lethal missiles aimed at our territory, aimed at our cities; and most importantly, nuclear bombs that were designed to destroy our country, to erase it from the face of the earth,” he said. Israeli soldiers cut off Iran’s terror arms and pushed enemies back from the country’s borders to create buffer zones, the Israeli PM said. “We struck the ballistic missile stores in Iran itself. Ee hit its nuclear programme hard — scientists, sites, infrastructure,” said Netanyahu. ‘There will be no Hamas rule in Gaza,’ says PM Prime Minister Netanyahu also vowed that Hamas would not govern the Gaza Strip. “In Gaza there will not be any Hamas rule,” he promised. President Isaac Herzog also warned that Israel cannot ignore internal or external signs of trouble, regardless of division within the state. Also Read: ‘Not afraid of death': Flydubai co-pilot tells probe team, 'planned to crash into Tel Aviv tower, Ben Gurion' “Over the past three years, Michal and I have tried, every single day, to listen, to learn, to honor and to remember all your loved ones,” he said, while addressing the bereaved families. “We ask to share your pain, to shed tears with you, to bow our heads in their memory and, together with all of Israel, to remember and remind ourselves of what we have lost, all of us, and what we can never bring back.” ‘We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely,’ says IDF chief IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said it is Israel’s “duty” to fully investigate the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023 in order to ensure its lessons are learned. Marking three years since the deadly attack, Zamir said, “An entire nation bows its head in mourning. We remember the civilians murdered in their homes, the young people who went out to dance and never returned, those who were abducted and murdered in captivity, the male and female combat soldiers and all the soldiers who fell, the members of the security forces, and the emergency and rescue teams who rushed into the inferno and fell in battle.” “It is our duty to investigate and ensure that the lessons are implemented so that we may be more worthy of the trust the people have placed in us,” Zamir added. “We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely in their homeland…. This is our duty to the fallen, our responsibility to the citizens of Israel, and our oath to future generations,” he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. He said the Iranian regime is at its weakest since its founding. Netanyahu also stressed that Israel will continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon.

‘We’ll settle score with everyone involved in Oct. 7 attack,’ says Netanyahu at memorial

Iranian women took part in a firearms training on Sunday amid the increasing tension between the US, Iran and Israel. It was the first military training course for selected women taking part in the volunteer campaign “Janfada,” meaning “Sacrifice for Iran”, as reported by Mehr News Agency. The training took place at Imam Hossein Square in Tehran, as Iran expands a nationwide volunteer mobilisation campaign, in preparation for a potential ground invasion by the US."At Imam Hossein Square, there are individuals present who are US citizens," Sasan Zare, a spokesman for the Sacrificial Volunteers campaign, told the crowd."They have come to Iran and are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian people and fight against the United States. Today, we are receiving many requests from foreign nationals residing in the country, asking to be allowed to undergo training, take up arms, and fight against the enemies of this land.”This was the first military training course specifically organised for women. Officials and instructors were trying to teach how to handle and fire weapons, including rifles and handguns, as well as training for responding to emergencies and crisis situations.Raheleh Ghadiri, a 45-year-old participant, said learning how to defend her family and neighbourhood “whether it is about weapons or any other area and have mental preparedness” during wartime would help ease her fears.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-cji-surya-kant-eci-modified-form-6-sir-1791194930792">CJI Surya Kant says Supreme Court never approved modified Form 6 for SIR</a>The civilian training programme follows an early mobilisation campaign in which Iran called on volunteers to prepare for national defence. It comes a day after Iran opened another civilian military training centre at Haft-e Tir Square. In September, hundreds of thousands of people participated in a government-organised rally in Tehran linked to the "Janfada-ye Iran" campaign.Meanwhile, a third US aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, left its San Diego base last week and is expected to reach the Persian Gulf in late October or early November. US President Donald Trump has said that he could make a decision on Iran “very soon”."Iran's been decimated. So the only question is, it'll either be the easy way or the hard way," Trump told reporters before leaving the White House for Ohio.&nbsp;Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that if a new war is launched against Iran, its consequences will spread across the entire region.

Iranian women have undergone firearms and emergency-response training in Tehran as part of a volunteer mobilisation campaign amid rising tensions with the US and Israel.

Iranian women took part in a firearms training on Sunday amid the increasing tension between the US, Iran and Israel. It was the first military training course for selected women taking part in the volunteer campaign “Janfada,” meaning “Sacrifice for Iran”, as reported by Mehr News Agency. The training took place at Imam Hossein Square in Tehran, as Iran expands a nationwide volunteer mobilisation campaign, in preparation for a potential ground invasion by the US. "At Imam Hossein Square, there are individuals present who are US citizens," Sasan Zare, a spokesman for the Sacrificial Volunteers campaign, told the crowd. "They have come to Iran and are willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian people and fight against the United States. Today, we are receiving many requests from foreign nationals residing in the country, asking to be allowed to undergo training, take up arms, and fight against the enemies of this land.” This was the first military training course specifically organised for women. Officials and instructors were trying to teach how to handle and fire weapons, including rifles and handguns, as well as training for responding to emergencies and crisis situations. Raheleh Ghadiri, a 45-year-old participant, said learning how to defend her family and neighbourhood “whether it is about weapons or any other area and have mental preparedness” during wartime would help ease her fears. Also Read: CJI Surya Kant says Supreme Court never approved modified Form 6 for SIR The civilian training programme follows an early mobilisation campaign in which Iran called on volunteers to prepare for national defence. It comes a day after Iran opened another civilian military training centre at Haft-e Tir Square. In September, hundreds of thousands of people participated in a government-organised rally in Tehran linked to the "Janfada-ye Iran" campaign. Meanwhile, a third US aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, left its San Diego base last week and is expected to reach the Persian Gulf in late October or early November. US President Donald Trump has said that he could make a decision on Iran “very soon”. "Iran's been decimated. So the only question is, it'll either be the easy way or the hard way," Trump told reporters before leaving the White House for Ohio. Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that if a new war is launched against Iran, its consequences will spread across the entire region.

Iranian women have undergone firearms and emergency-response training in Tehran as part of a volunteer mobilisation campaign amid rising tensions with the US and Israel.

Iranian women undergo firearms training amid rising tensions with US, Israel

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel were named winners of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. In simple words, the trio's discoveries led to optogenetics, a biological technique that uses light to precisely control the activity of specific cells. It makes it possible to switch the activity of individual nerve cells in a living brain on or off using light.&nbsp;It all started with the fascination with the 1.3-kilogram organ, which held memories from various stages of our lives, was the reason for daydreaming, drove creative and analytical thinking, and, at the same time, was also what made us feel joy, sadness, love, jealousy and a whole gamut of emotions.&nbsp;While scientists have known which regions of the brain govern various physiological functions since the early 20th century, they hadn't been able to tell which specific type of nerve cell directly caused a certain feeling or behaviour.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karl-deisseroth-peter-hegemann-and-georg-nagel-win-nobel-prize-in-medicine-for-optogenetics-1791199404669">Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win Nobel Prize in Medicine for ‘optogenetics’</a><h2>Activating individual nerve cells in the brain</h2>Francis Crick, who won the Nobel Prize in 1962, started investigating what was behind human consciousness. He wanted to activate individual nerve cells in a living brain, which was hard to do since the signals in nerve cells are extremely rapid. He theorised that if nerve cells could be manipulated to react to light, scientists might be able to control neural activity.&nbsp;This is what Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel achieved. As described on the Nobel Prize website, they were awarded the 2026 prize "for their discovery of a molecular switch for nerve cells. Using light, researchers are now able to switch individual neural circuits on or off in the brain." Their work can “bring memories to life, create feelings, drive behaviours and study the types of neurons that are involved in various psychiatric and neurological disorders.”<h2>How the three contributed to optogenetics</h2>Peter Hegemann &amp; Georg Nagel discovered and characterised channelrhodopsin-2, a light-sensitive ion channel protein present in the eyespot of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This helped them demonstrate that expressing this single protein in host cell membranes allows the cells to become directly activated and produce electrical signals when exposed to light.&nbsp;Karl Deisseroth successfully transferred the genetic code for channelrhodopsin-2 into nerve cells, or neurons. He developed this technology into optogenetics, which showed that when blue light is passed through optical fibres, it can selectively trigger electrical activity and control neural circuits in living brains.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 "for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics." Here is what optogenetics means.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel were named winners of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics. In simple words, the trio's discoveries led to optogenetics, a biological technique that uses light to precisely control the activity of specific cells. It makes it possible to switch the activity of individual nerve cells in a living brain on or off using light. It all started with the fascination with the 1.3-kilogram organ, which held memories from various stages of our lives, was the reason for daydreaming, drove creative and analytical thinking, and, at the same time, was also what made us feel joy, sadness, love, jealousy and a whole gamut of emotions. While scientists have known which regions of the brain govern various physiological functions since the early 20th century, they hadn't been able to tell which specific type of nerve cell directly caused a certain feeling or behaviour. Also Read: Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win Nobel Prize in Medicine for ‘optogenetics’ Activating individual nerve cells in the brain Francis Crick, who won the Nobel Prize in 1962, started investigating what was behind human consciousness. He wanted to activate individual nerve cells in a living brain, which was hard to do since the signals in nerve cells are extremely rapid. He theorised that if nerve cells could be manipulated to react to light, scientists might be able to control neural activity. This is what Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel achieved. As described on the Nobel Prize website, they were awarded the 2026 prize "for their discovery of a molecular switch for nerve cells. Using light, researchers are now able to switch individual neural circuits on or off in the brain." Their work can “bring memories to life, create feelings, drive behaviours and study the types of neurons that are involved in various psychiatric and neurological disorders.” How the three contributed to optogenetics Peter Hegemann & Georg Nagel discovered and characterised channelrhodopsin-2, a light-sensitive ion channel protein present in the eyespot of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This helped them demonstrate that expressing this single protein in host cell membranes allows the cells to become directly activated and produce electrical signals when exposed to light. Karl Deisseroth successfully transferred the genetic code for channelrhodopsin-2 into nerve cells, or neurons. He developed this technology into optogenetics, which showed that when blue light is passed through optical fibres, it can selectively trigger electrical activity and control neural circuits in living brains.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, and Georg Nagel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 "for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics." Here is what optogenetics means.

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026 announced: What is optogenetics?

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday (October 5) for their discoveries in neuroscience. These scientists researched light-gated ion channels, a type of protein, to establish the field of optogenetics. Abdel El Manira, a member of the Nobel Committee that awarded the prize, said it is a pioneering technique that uses small lights to switch on discrete groups of neurons in the brain. The discovery has shown the function of specific circuits in the brain, providing clues for the treatment of conditions including blindness, depression, addiction and dementia. The Nobelist, Dr Karl Deisseroth, holds a professorship in bioengineering and psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University. According to Professor El Manira, he and his research team engineered minuscule optical fibres capable of activating neurons in the brain, marking the first time scientists could trigger specific behaviours this way.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez-calls-snap-election-after-housing-protests-1791184699668">Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls snap election after housing protests</a><h3>Discovery of protein to convert light into electrical signal</h3>Dr Peter Hegemann serves as a professor of experimental biophysics at Humboldt University in Berlin, where, as Professor El Manira noted, he uncovered a protein with the ability to convert light into an electrical signal. Dr Georg Nagel, meanwhile, is a professor of plant physiology at the University of Würzburg in Germany. Working alongside Dr Hegemann, Nagel found that these proteins housed a light-gated ion channel, a mechanism that produces an electrical signal upon exposure to light. Professor El Manira likened this discovery to "the switch," the very mechanism that enables neuroscientists to activate the protein at will.

The discovery has shown the function of specific circuits in the brain, providing clues for the treatment of conditions including blindness, depression, addiction and dementia.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday (October 5) for their discoveries in neuroscience. These scientists researched light-gated ion channels, a type of protein, to establish the field of optogenetics. Abdel El Manira, a member of the Nobel Committee that awarded the prize, said it is a pioneering technique that uses small lights to switch on discrete groups of neurons in the brain. The discovery has shown the function of specific circuits in the brain, providing clues for the treatment of conditions including blindness, depression, addiction and dementia. The Nobelist, Dr Karl Deisseroth, holds a professorship in bioengineering and psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University. According to Professor El Manira, he and his research team engineered minuscule optical fibres capable of activating neurons in the brain, marking the first time scientists could trigger specific behaviours this way. Also read: Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls snap election after housing protests Discovery of protein to convert light into electrical signal Dr Peter Hegemann serves as a professor of experimental biophysics at Humboldt University in Berlin, where, as Professor El Manira noted, he uncovered a protein with the ability to convert light into an electrical signal. Dr Georg Nagel, meanwhile, is a professor of plant physiology at the University of Würzburg in Germany. Working alongside Dr Hegemann, Nagel found that these proteins housed a light-gated ion channel, a mechanism that produces an electrical signal upon exposure to light. Professor El Manira likened this discovery to "the switch," the very mechanism that enables neuroscientists to activate the protein at will.

The discovery has shown the function of specific circuits in the brain, providing clues for the treatment of conditions including blindness, depression, addiction and dementia.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win Nobel Prize in Medicine for 'optogenetics'

Switzerland expects its new trade pact with India to lift investment and commerce, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has said, as the two countries also prepare to cooperate on successive global AI summits and deepen mobility links. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been in force since October 2025.Parmelin, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, said that Swiss firms had already made or were planning investments in transport and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. “I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come,” he said.He described India as a key partner for the global AI summit Switzerland will host in Geneva in 2027, following India’s AI Impact Summit in 2026. Priorities were “closely aligned,” he said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Switzerland wanted continuity between the events.<h2>Full interview</h2>Sidhant Sibal: How has the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, in force since October 2025, changed the commercial relationship between Switzerland and India?Guy Parmelin: The relationship between our two nations is moving from strength to strength. According to information available to us since the entry into force of the TEPA, Swiss companies have made or are planning investments in a wide range of sectors, including transportation and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come.Sidhant Sibal: Why did Switzerland choose to host the next global AI summit in Geneva in 2027, and how will India be involved?Guy Parmelin: India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit 2026 has been of great importance to Switzerland. My meeting with Prime Minister Modi confirmed that our priorities are closely aligned. As we prepare to host the next summit in Geneva in 2027, India is a key partner for us. We are committed to ensuring continuity between the two summits and beyond. India has demonstrated exceptional leadership in amplifying the voices of those who are underrepresented in global technology discussions, particularly those from the Global South. Switzerland will build on this, for example through the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN), which promotes an equitable distribution of technological benefits and fosters knowledge sharing and AI research across all regions. We are currently refining the thematic focus of the Summit and exploring how cooperation with key partners could be structured. I look forward to India’s participation in Geneva.Sidhant Sibal: How can Switzerland and India deepen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation?Guy Parmelin: More than 450 Indian students are currently enrolled at the two federal technological universities (ETH Zurich and EPFL). Furthermore, ETH Zurich currently employs 6 Professors and over 200 research assistants of Indian nationality.One instrument of international cooperation in research is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. These very competitive scholarships help build lasting scientific relationships between our countries.Swiss universities and research institutions maintain a range of partnerships with Indian universities and research organisations. Such collaborations are generally initiated and developed directly by the institutions concerned, in line with their respective priorities and areas of expertise. The Agreement between Switzerland and the Republic of India on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (2003) certainly provides a good framework for this cooperation.Sidhant Sibal: What role should talent mobility and education linkages play in the next phase of India–Switzerland relations?Guy Parmelin: I am excited to share that Switzerland and India have just concluded two agreements in the field of migration this month: the Migration and Mobility Partnership and the Young Professionals Agreement. These agreements mark an important milestone in our bilateral cooperation and reflect our shared commitment to a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to migration. They facilitate legal migration and mobility while strengthening cooperation on return and readmission. Switzerland has a well-established and nuanced work permit system, and work permits for Indian nationals are regulated separately from the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Nevertheless, the significant number of Indian professionals coming to Switzerland each year – around 1,500 to 1,900 work permits are issued to Indian nationals annually – reflects the strong and growing people-to-people links between our two countries. Today, around 19,000 Indian nationals live in Switzerland, making an important contribution to our societies, economies and bilateral relations.Sidhant Sibal: Looking ahead from 2026, what would a successful elevation of the India–Switzerland partnership look like in your view?Guy Parmelin: For me, success would be when people actually feel this partnership in their everyday lives, whether that is in business, in research or in the classroom. The EFTA-India agreement gives us a great framework, and now the real work is using it well. That means more Swiss companies investing in India, more Indian companies finding opportunities in Switzerland, and real jobs created on both sides. But it goes beyond trade. Switzerland and India complement each other in a lot of ways. We bring precision, research strength and a long tradition of vocational training, and India brings scale, talent and a real energy for innovation. So I would love to see our universities, start-ups and research institutions working much more closely together. And finally, I would like us to speak with a shared voice internationally. We both believe in technology that works for everyone. If we can team up on responsible AI, building on the summit in New Delhi and the one we are hosting in Geneva in 2027, then this partnership will be doing something that matters well beyond our two countries.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin says the India-EFTA trade pact will boost bilateral trade, investment and business ties while deepening cooperation on AI and mobility.

Switzerland expects its new trade pact with India to lift investment and commerce, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has said, as the two countries also prepare to cooperate on successive global AI summits and deepen mobility links. The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been in force since October 2025. Parmelin, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, said that Swiss firms had already made or were planning investments in transport and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. “I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come,” he said. He described India as a key partner for the global AI summit Switzerland will host in Geneva in 2027, following India’s AI Impact Summit in 2026. Priorities were “closely aligned,” he said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Switzerland wanted continuity between the events. Full interview Sidhant Sibal: How has the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, in force since October 2025, changed the commercial relationship between Switzerland and India? Guy Parmelin: The relationship between our two nations is moving from strength to strength. According to information available to us since the entry into force of the TEPA, Swiss companies have made or are planning investments in a wide range of sectors, including transportation and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and technology and electronics. I expect that the TEPA will provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come. Sidhant Sibal: Why did Switzerland choose to host the next global AI summit in Geneva in 2027, and how will India be involved? Guy Parmelin: India’s hosting of the AI Impact Summit 2026 has been of great importance to Switzerland. My meeting with Prime Minister Modi confirmed that our priorities are closely aligned. As we prepare to host the next summit in Geneva in 2027, India is a key partner for us. We are committed to ensuring continuity between the two summits and beyond. India has demonstrated exceptional leadership in amplifying the voices of those who are underrepresented in global technology discussions, particularly those from the Global South. Switzerland will build on this, for example through the International Computation and AI Network (ICAIN), which promotes an equitable distribution of technological benefits and fosters knowledge sharing and AI research across all regions. We are currently refining the thematic focus of the Summit and exploring how cooperation with key partners could be structured. I look forward to India’s participation in Geneva. Sidhant Sibal: How can Switzerland and India deepen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation? Guy Parmelin: More than 450 Indian students are currently enrolled at the two federal technological universities (ETH Zurich and EPFL). Furthermore, ETH Zurich currently employs 6 Professors and over 200 research assistants of Indian nationality. One instrument of international cooperation in research is the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and other countries. These very competitive scholarships help build lasting scientific relationships between our countries. Swiss universities and research institutions maintain a range of partnerships with Indian universities and research organisations. Such collaborations are generally initiated and developed directly by the institutions concerned, in line with their respective priorities and areas of expertise. The Agreement between Switzerland and the Republic of India on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (2003) certainly provides a good framework for this cooperation. Sidhant Sibal: What role should talent mobility and education linkages play in the next phase of India–Switzerland relations? Guy Parmelin: I am excited to share that Switzerland and India have just concluded two agreements in the field of migration this month: the Migration and Mobility Partnership and the Young Professionals Agreement. These agreements mark an important milestone in our bilateral cooperation and reflect our shared commitment to a comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach to migration. They facilitate legal migration and mobility while strengthening cooperation on return and readmission. Switzerland has a well-established and nuanced work permit system, and work permits for Indian nationals are regulated separately from the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Nevertheless, the significant number of Indian professionals coming to Switzerland each year – around 1,500 to 1,900 work permits are issued to Indian nationals annually – reflects the strong and growing people-to-people links between our two countries. Today, around 19,000 Indian nationals live in Switzerland, making an important contribution to our societies, economies and bilateral relations. Sidhant Sibal: Looking ahead from 2026, what would a successful elevation of the India–Switzerland partnership look like in your view? Guy Parmelin: For me, success would be when people actually feel this partnership in their everyday lives, whether that is in business, in research or in the classroom. The EFTA-India agreement gives us a great framework, and now the real work is using it well. That means more Swiss companies investing in India, more Indian companies finding opportunities in Switzerland, and real jobs created on both sides. But it goes beyond trade. Switzerland and India complement each other in a lot of ways. We bring precision, research strength and a long tradition of vocational training, and India brings scale, talent and a real energy for innovation. So I would love to see our universities, start-ups and research institutions working much more closely together. And finally, I would like us to speak with a shared voice internationally. We both believe in technology that works for everyone. If we can team up on responsible AI, building on the summit in New Delhi and the one we are hosting in Geneva in 2027, then this partnership will be doing something that matters well beyond our two countries.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin says the India-EFTA trade pact will boost bilateral trade, investment and business ties while deepening cooperation on AI and mobility.

Switzerland expects India trade pact to deliver a significant boost to bilateral commerce, President Guy Parmelin says

US President Donald Trump has claimed in a social media post that 125 million people voted in the “first round of India's Presidential Election,” confusing India with Brazil, whose first-round voting took place on Sunday (Oct 4). In the post, signed "President DJT," Trump wrote that results arrived shortly after voting closed on the same day. He contrasted this with Detroit, Philadelphia, California and other US cities and states, where he said counting "will often take weeks" with far smaller numbers. He wrote "Rig, I mean, calculate" and concluded that "Voting in America is CORRUPT!!!"&nbsp;The president is chosen indirectly by an electoral college made up of elected members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies. The last such election was held in July 2022, when Droupadi Murmu was elected, and the next is not due until 2027.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-export-ban-threat-g7-countries-agree-to-release-100-million-barrels-of-diesel-crude-1791001095777">Trump export ban threat: G7 countries agree to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude</a> Brazil, by contrast, held the first round of its general election on Sunday (Oct 4), with voters electing a president among other offices. Brazil uses a nationwide electronic voting system, and results are typically available within hours of polls closing. If no presidential candidate wins a majority, the top two advance to a runoff. The scale of the turnout Trump cited is more consistent with Brazil's electorate than with any Indian presidential process.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-resume-iran-bombing-after-midterms-us-sends-third-aircraft-carrier-10-000-troops-to-middle-east-1790960123459">Trump to resume Iran bombing after midterms? US sends third aircraft carrier, 10,000 troops to Middle East</a>&nbsp;Trump has repeatedly questioned the integrity of US elections, and his post follows that pattern. Election officials in the US have said that the pace of vote counting varies by state, depending on factors such as mail-in ballot rules, deadlines for receiving ballots and verification procedures. Some states process ballots well before election day, while others are legally barred from doing so.&nbsp;The post drew attention online for the geographical mix-up. It was not immediately clear whether Trump or the White House would clarify or correct the reference to India.

Donald Trump confuses Brazil with India in a social media post, claiming 125 million people voted in an "Indian presidential election" to attack US vote-counting speeds.

US President Donald Trump has claimed in a social media post that 125 million people voted in the “first round of India's Presidential Election,” confusing India with Brazil, whose first-round voting took place on Sunday (Oct 4). In the post, signed "President DJT," Trump wrote that results arrived shortly after voting closed on the same day. He contrasted this with Detroit, Philadelphia, California and other US cities and states, where he said counting "will often take weeks" with far smaller numbers. He wrote "Rig, I mean, calculate" and concluded that "Voting in America is CORRUPT!!!" The president is chosen indirectly by an electoral college made up of elected members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies. The last such election was held in July 2022, when Droupadi Murmu was elected, and the next is not due until 2027. Also read: Trump export ban threat: G7 countries agree to release 100 million barrels of diesel, crude Brazil, by contrast, held the first round of its general election on Sunday (Oct 4), with voters electing a president among other offices. Brazil uses a nationwide electronic voting system, and results are typically available within hours of polls closing. If no presidential candidate wins a majority, the top two advance to a runoff. The scale of the turnout Trump cited is more consistent with Brazil's electorate than with any Indian presidential process. Also read: Trump to resume Iran bombing after midterms? US sends third aircraft carrier, 10,000 troops to Middle East Trump has repeatedly questioned the integrity of US elections, and his post follows that pattern. Election officials in the US have said that the pace of vote counting varies by state, depending on factors such as mail-in ballot rules, deadlines for receiving ballots and verification procedures. Some states process ballots well before election day, while others are legally barred from doing so. The post drew attention online for the geographical mix-up. It was not immediately clear whether Trump or the White House would clarify or correct the reference to India.

Donald Trump confuses Brazil with India in a social media post, claiming 125 million people voted in an "Indian presidential election" to attack US vote-counting speeds.

Viral gaffe: Trump mixes up India and Brazil in social post attacking us voting speed

A Russian drone struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge on Sunday (Oct 4), with video showing a huge fireball erupting. The location is reportedly Dnipro crossing, and video shows vehicles travelling as the drone hit. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that two people were injured in the strike. The strike came as German chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed for talks with Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-putin-claims-ukraine-s-refinery-strikes-cost-1-1790921130874">Russia-Ukraine War: Putin claims Ukraine's refinery strikes cost 1%</a>&nbsp;Video of the incident has gone viral. It showed the moment the Northern Bridge was hit, sending a huge plume of fire and black smoke into the sky while cars were still moving across the bridge. It was the second time the Northern Bridge had been hit in as many days.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Breaking 🇷🇺🇺🇦

After a Russian drone attack on the northern bridge in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, a huge ball of fire formed.

Two people were injured. A large crater was created in the road. Attacks on Kyiv’s bridges have been ongoing for four consecutive days. 

This incident 

1/2 https://t.co/jr8ql6m4OZ&mdash; Terror Alerts (@Terroralerts007) <a href="https://x.com/Terroralerts007/status/2106964434585555167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Merz made a surprise visit to Kyiv &nbsp;as attacks increase. In his presence, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Washington had proposed fresh talks with both Ukraine and Russia by the end of the month. Air raid sirens wailed repeatedly, including as Zelensky showed him the damage to the National Academy of Sciences, which was hit by a Russian attack drone on Monday, killing two. "We can see the entire pointlessness of this war at this place. These barbarous attacks on the civilian population of Ukraine must stop. These are war crimes that are being committed daily here," noted Merz.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maharashtra is entering the post-monsoon season amid growing water stress, with 265 of 358 talukas declared drought-affected. A 19% rainfall deficit, prolonged dry spells and low reservoir levels have hit crops and raised concerns over drinking water, livestock and the upcoming Rabi season.

A Russian drone struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge on Sunday (Oct 4), with video showing a huge fireball erupting. The location is reportedly Dnipro crossing, and video shows vehicles travelling as the drone hit. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that two people were injured in the strike. The strike came as German chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed for talks with Russia. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin claims Ukraine's refinery strikes cost 1% Video of the incident has gone viral. It showed the moment the Northern Bridge was hit, sending a huge plume of fire and black smoke into the sky while cars were still moving across the bridge. It was the second time the Northern Bridge had been hit in as many days.

A Russian drone struck Kyiv’s Northern Bridge, triggering a huge fireball and injuring two people, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attack came as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv amid air raid sirens and explosions to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russian drone hits Kyiv bridge in broad daylight, triggering huge fireball | VIDEO

Top Hamas official Ghazi Hamad in an interview to Al Arabiya has said that Ali al-Amoudi, the terror group’s de facto leader in Gaza, “survived the Israeli assassination attempt” on him in a strike overnight Friday into Saturday. The Palestinian media reported five people killed, including a number of women but al-Amoudi's name was absent from the list of fatalities. His fate remained unclear.&nbsp;The strike targeted Amoudi while he was residing in an apartment “used for terror activity, inside a residential building,” said Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), as reported by Times of Israel.&nbsp;Israel's Channel 12 has said it was too early to reach a definitive conclusion but Israel is trying to obtain confirmation whether the assassination attempt succeeded.&nbsp;<h2>About al-Amoudi</h2>&nbsp;According to various media reports, al-Amoudi was initially the head of Hamas' media department and was a member of its political bureau before the war began on Oct. 8, 2023.But after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his deputy Rawhi Mushtaha were killed in 2024, al-Amoudi became deputy to Khalil al-Hayya, who was heading the group in Gaza.&nbsp;Later, in July 2026 al-Hayya was made the head of Hamas' political bureau and al-Amoudi the de facto leader in Gaza, pending the election of a successor.&nbsp;<h2>Fatalities since ceasefire announcement</h2>&nbsp;Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine came into effect one Oct. 10, 2025 but continuous violations has claimed lives of 1,439 Palestinians and injured 5,052 others as of Thursday, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.&nbsp;The Palestinian figures of people killed in the war since Oct 8, 2023, is more than 74,000 while the number of injured are over 175,000 in Gaza. While around 90% of the territory's infrastructure has been destroyed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to various media reports, al-Amoudi was initially the head of Hamas' media department and was a member of its political bureau before the war began on Oct. 8, 2023.

Top Hamas official Ghazi Hamad in an interview to Al Arabiya has said that Ali al-Amoudi, the terror group’s de facto leader in Gaza, “survived the Israeli assassination attempt” on him in a strike overnight Friday into Saturday. The Palestinian media reported five people killed, including a number of women but al-Amoudi's name was absent from the list of fatalities. His fate remained unclear. The strike targeted Amoudi while he was residing in an apartment “used for terror activity, inside a residential building,” said Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), as reported by Times of Israel. Israel's Channel 12 has said it was too early to reach a definitive conclusion but Israel is trying to obtain confirmation whether the assassination attempt succeeded. About al-Amoudi According to various media reports, al-Amoudi was initially the head of Hamas' media department and was a member of its political bureau before the war began on Oct. 8, 2023. But after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his deputy Rawhi Mushtaha were killed in 2024, al-Amoudi became deputy to Khalil al-Hayya, who was heading the group in Gaza. Later, in July 2026 al-Hayya was made the head of Hamas' political bureau and al-Amoudi the de facto leader in Gaza, pending the election of a successor. Fatalities since ceasefire announcement Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine came into effect one Oct. 10, 2025 but continuous violations has claimed lives of 1,439 Palestinians and injured 5,052 others as of Thursday, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Palestinian figures of people killed in the war since Oct 8, 2023, is more than 74,000 while the number of injured are over 175,000 in Gaza. While around 90% of the territory's infrastructure has been destroyed.

According to various media reports, al-Amoudi was initially the head of Hamas' media department and was a member of its political bureau before the war began on Oct. 8, 2023.

Hamas' de facto leader in Gaza survives 'Israeli assassination attempt': Report

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which will be President Donald Trump's litmus test of his policies and how much popular he maintains among the American people. If we see the latest approval average poll of September, Trump seems to be loosing grasp as the rating nears its lowest levels of his second term.&nbsp;According to FiftyPlusOne, a polling and elections tracking website that aggregates major polls, Trump's average approval rating as of Sept 25 was 34.9%, while his disapproval rating stood at 62.1% among US adults.&nbsp;The highest average approval rating of his second term was 54%, last seen on Jan.22, 2025.The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns about the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war, immigration enforcement efforts and the ongoing war in Iran.&nbsp;In another poll conducted by the Ney York Times (Oct. 1, 2026) 37% of Americans are in favour of Trump while 61% disapprove of him.&nbsp;While the latest Rasmussen poll (Sept. 30, 2026) puts the approval rating at 44% and disapproval at 55%.&nbsp;The strong disapproval rating breaks the previous record of 45 percent which is more than what George W Bush's 41 percent mark ahead of the 2006 midterms.&nbsp;Recent generic congressional polling show Democrats gaining ground and achieving substantial gains to potentially retake the House and challenge for the Senate.&nbsp;<h2>Look at markets and stock movements amid upcoming midterms</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Wall Street indexes have closed highly volatile third quarter. In September, the S&amp;P 500 and MSCI All Country World index were at their peaks, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq traded at a new high of 27,288 points just last week, according to Reuters.&nbsp;But what is worrisome among the glittering statistics is that the S&amp;P 500 rose only 2 per cent. Around 40 per cent of S&amp;P 500 stocks are down for the year, and a quarter of the index's constituents have fallen 10 per cent or more, reported Economic Times.&nbsp;The market breadth is the narrowest since 2000 with AI being the only face saver. Over half of the S&amp;P 500's market capitalisation is now composed of AI or AI related companies.&nbsp;The bond market is indicating the Fed has more work to do. So will the Fed take a move in this regard by the end of this month, just before the US midterm elections?&nbsp;Ultimately, it will be difficult for the fourth quarter to match the last three month's swaying graph, but investors should brace themselves amid expected interest rate rises in the US and around the world and long-term employment outlook among others.&nbsp;

The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns about the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war, immigration enforcement efforts and the ongoing war in Iran.

United States is soon going to witness mid term elections which will be President Donald Trump's litmus test of his policies and how much popular he maintains among the American people. If we see the latest approval average poll of September, Trump seems to be loosing grasp as the rating nears its lowest levels of his second term. According to FiftyPlusOne, a polling and elections tracking website that aggregates major polls, Trump's average approval rating as of Sept 25 was 34.9%, while his disapproval rating stood at 62.1% among US adults. The highest average approval rating of his second term was 54%, last seen on Jan.22, 2025. The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns about the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war, immigration enforcement efforts and the ongoing war in Iran. In another poll conducted by the Ney York Times (Oct. 1, 2026) 37% of Americans are in favour of Trump while 61% disapprove of him. While the latest Rasmussen poll (Sept. 30, 2026) puts the approval rating at 44% and disapproval at 55%. The strong disapproval rating breaks the previous record of 45 percent which is more than what George W Bush's 41 percent mark ahead of the 2006 midterms. Recent generic congressional polling show Democrats gaining ground and achieving substantial gains to potentially retake the House and challenge for the Senate. Look at markets and stock movements amid upcoming midterms Meanwhile, Wall Street indexes have closed highly volatile third quarter. In September, the S&P 500 and MSCI All Country World index were at their peaks, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq traded at a new high of 27,288 points just last week, according to Reuters. But what is worrisome among the glittering statistics is that the S&P 500 rose only 2 per cent. Around 40 per cent of S&P 500 stocks are down for the year, and a quarter of the index's constituents have fallen 10 per cent or more, reported Economic Times. The market breadth is the narrowest since 2000 with AI being the only face saver. Over half of the S&P 500's market capitalisation is now composed of AI or AI related companies. The bond market is indicating the Fed has more work to do. So will the Fed take a move in this regard by the end of this month, just before the US midterm elections? Ultimately, it will be difficult for the fourth quarter to match the last three month's swaying graph, but investors should brace themselves amid expected interest rate rises in the US and around the world and long-term employment outlook among others.

The drop in Trump's approval ratings comes amid Americans expressing concerns about the economy and his handling of issues like the trade war, immigration enforcement efforts and the ongoing war in Iran.

US Midterms: How opinion polls, prediction markets and stock movements are placed

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Oct 5) has called a snap election in the country. It comes after his series of measures to tackle the housing crisis was defeated in parliament on Friday(Oct 2). The election will take place on November 29. Spain is witnessing nationwide protests over housing despite measures taken by Sanchez. The housing measures were triggered by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home for failing to pay a sharp rent increase. The proposed measures included automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants. Sánchez has been Spain's prime minister since 2018 and the elections in the country was due to hold a general election in summer 2027.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pedro-sanchez-re-elected-as-spanish-prime-minister-as-he-braves-amnesty-row-659383">Pedro Sanchez re-elected Spanish prime minister as he braves Catalan amnesty row</a>&nbsp;After announcing the election, the prime minister said that there is a need to "renew and broaden people's support" for the government. He added that Spain “must mobilise and ensure that parliament provides us with a much broader progressive majority.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-socialists-reach-deal-with-catalan-junts-for-government-support-report-656935">Spanish Socialists reach deal with Catalan separatist party for government support: Report</a>&nbsp;Sánchez began his speech by praising his coalition government. “The coalition government has secured several successes, including a growing economy, despite attempts to “boycott its progress.” He also went on to say that Spain has become a ”world example of peace, feminism and prosperity." He highlighted that Spain has faced several crises in recent years, including the ongoing war in Ukraine-Russia war and West Asia war.&nbsp;&nbsp;Spain has been operating under its 2023 budget, the last national spending plan passed by Sanchez's government, for several years. Sanchez defended his government's record in his address, pointing out that under his leadership Spain's economy has grown faster than those of its main European peers. But after eight years in power, Sanchez is also under pressure from corruption scandals involving people close to him, including his wife and top figures in his Socialist Party. The prime minister has also faced widespread criticism over his handling of the crisis in the north African enclave of Ceuta, where thousands of migrants from Morocco entered in late July.&nbsp;

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called a snap election after parliament defeated his government’s housing measures amid nationwide protests over soaring rents and evictions. Sanchez said Spain needs to “renew and broaden” support for his govt

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday (Oct 5) has called a snap election in the country. It comes after his series of measures to tackle the housing crisis was defeated in parliament on Friday(Oct 2). The election will take place on November 29. Spain is witnessing nationwide protests over housing despite measures taken by Sanchez. The housing measures were triggered by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home for failing to pay a sharp rent increase. The proposed measures included automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants. Sánchez has been Spain's prime minister since 2018 and the elections in the country was due to hold a general election in summer 2027. Also Read: Pedro Sanchez re-elected Spanish prime minister as he braves Catalan amnesty row After announcing the election, the prime minister said that there is a need to "renew and broaden people's support" for the government. He added that Spain “must mobilise and ensure that parliament provides us with a much broader progressive majority.” Also Read: Spanish Socialists reach deal with Catalan separatist party for government support: Report Sánchez began his speech by praising his coalition government. “The coalition government has secured several successes, including a growing economy, despite attempts to “boycott its progress.” He also went on to say that Spain has become a ”world example of peace, feminism and prosperity." He highlighted that Spain has faced several crises in recent years, including the ongoing war in Ukraine-Russia war and West Asia war. Spain has been operating under its 2023 budget, the last national spending plan passed by Sanchez's government, for several years. Sanchez defended his government's record in his address, pointing out that under his leadership Spain's economy has grown faster than those of its main European peers. But after eight years in power, Sanchez is also under pressure from corruption scandals involving people close to him, including his wife and top figures in his Socialist Party. The prime minister has also faced widespread criticism over his handling of the crisis in the north African enclave of Ceuta, where thousands of migrants from Morocco entered in late July.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called a snap election after parliament defeated his government’s housing measures amid nationwide protests over soaring rents and evictions. Sanchez said Spain needs to “renew and broaden” support for his govt

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls snap election after housing protests

Montana’s governor has led a delegation of more than 35 business leaders to India, saying the visit is intended to deepen existing commercial ties and open new ones in agriculture, technology and research. Greg Gianforte, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal that his aim is to “create new opportunities, both here in India and back in the United States.”&nbsp;Montana is the largest US producer of lentils, peas and chickpeas, much of which is shipped to India. Members of the delegation also represent aerospace, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and quantum technologies. The delegation is due to travel from Delhi to Bengaluru to meet industry groups in bioscience and related fields.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fly-dubai-terror-incident-israel-pm-netanyahu-speaks-to-indian-captain-smit-machchhar-calls-him-hero-of-the-world-1791079252392">Netanyahu wants to honour Indian captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi on Israel's Independence Day</a>&nbsp;Gianforte's focus is on building strong people ties, &amp; said India’s consul general Prakash Gupta had visited Montana seven times, and that the state had received a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, now on display. He plans to host a Diwali reception at the governor’s residence in Helena.&nbsp;On the wider US-India trade negotiation, which began in February, Gianforte said progress was being made. “President Trump and Ambassador Gor have been working tirelessly to get this done, because businesses, Indian businesses and US businesses, need certainty.”He noted that the United States is already India’s largest export market and argued for reciprocal access. “We need reciprocal relationships here to make sure that the appropriate business is done in the other direction as well.” A stable set of rules, he added, would allow firms to invest with greater predictability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israel-ambassador-azar-hails-indian-pilot-as-hero-against-terrorism-terms-attack-at-the-heart-of-the-abraham-accords-1790835259182">Israel Ambassador Azar hails Indian pilot as 'hero against terrorism'; terms attack at the 'heart of the Abraham Accords'</a>&nbsp;Asked about the Republican view of the relationship, he replied that his party favoured more trade because it produced jobs and prosperity on both sides. “When you have a strong trading relationship, there’s prosperity on both sides, and I think that’s when India wins and Montana and the US wins as well.”&nbsp;He became Montana’s first Republican governor in 16 years and said lower taxes, lighter regulation and expanded trade had made the state the fifth-fastest-growing economy in the country and one of only two where wage growth had outpaced inflation over five years. With 36 gubernatorial races due this year, he suggested other states could see similar gains under Republican leadership.&nbsp;He described the India trip as part of a longer effort rather than a single visit. “This is not a one-and-done trip. We’re hoping to deepen existing relationships and establish new ones.” His hope, he said, is that an Indian delegation will travel to Montana in the near future to continue the discussions begun this week.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte calls for two-way market access in US-India trade, emphasising reciprocal trade opportunities as he leads an economic trade mission to India.

Montana’s governor has led a delegation of more than 35 business leaders to India, saying the visit is intended to deepen existing commercial ties and open new ones in agriculture, technology and research. Greg Gianforte, speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal that his aim is to “create new opportunities, both here in India and back in the United States.” Montana is the largest US producer of lentils, peas and chickpeas, much of which is shipped to India. Members of the delegation also represent aerospace, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and quantum technologies. The delegation is due to travel from Delhi to Bengaluru to meet industry groups in bioscience and related fields. Also read: Netanyahu wants to honour Indian captain Smit Machchhar and PM Modi on Israel's Independence Day Gianforte's focus is on building strong people ties, & said India’s consul general Prakash Gupta had visited Montana seven times, and that the state had received a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, now on display. He plans to host a Diwali reception at the governor’s residence in Helena. On the wider US-India trade negotiation, which began in February, Gianforte said progress was being made. “President Trump and Ambassador Gor have been working tirelessly to get this done, because businesses, Indian businesses and US businesses, need certainty.” He noted that the United States is already India’s largest export market and argued for reciprocal access. “We need reciprocal relationships here to make sure that the appropriate business is done in the other direction as well.” A stable set of rules, he added, would allow firms to invest with greater predictability. Also read: Israel Ambassador Azar hails Indian pilot as 'hero against terrorism'; terms attack at the 'heart of the Abraham Accords' Asked about the Republican view of the relationship, he replied that his party favoured more trade because it produced jobs and prosperity on both sides. “When you have a strong trading relationship, there’s prosperity on both sides, and I think that’s when India wins and Montana and the US wins as well.” He became Montana’s first Republican governor in 16 years and said lower taxes, lighter regulation and expanded trade had made the state the fifth-fastest-growing economy in the country and one of only two where wage growth had outpaced inflation over five years. With 36 gubernatorial races due this year, he suggested other states could see similar gains under Republican leadership. He described the India trip as part of a longer effort rather than a single visit. “This is not a one-and-done trip. We’re hoping to deepen existing relationships and establish new ones.” His hope, he said, is that an Indian delegation will travel to Montana in the near future to continue the discussions begun this week.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte calls for two-way market access in US-India trade, emphasising reciprocal trade opportunities as he leads an economic trade mission to India.

WION Exclusive | ‘Must be a two-way street’: Montana Governor calls for equal market access as India-US trade grows

New details have emerged about the co-pilot who attacked the Indian pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israel and Oman had earlier confirmed that the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami is an Omani national. In a statement, Oman has said that the individual is an Omani national, born in the UAE. It stated that he worked for a limited period as a trainee at an Omani airline but he was barred after it was found that he used extremist websites on the internet. Oman added that he left the country after he was barred.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-attack-israel-s-security-system-under-scrutiny-as-ministry-admits-no-pilot-background-checks-1791101354602">Flydubai attack: Israel’s security system under scrutiny</a>&nbsp;According to Oman, the co-pilot's mother is of Syrian origin, and he spent a significant part of his life outside Oman, including in the UAE during his father's employment there, in Syria with his mother, and abroad for his studies. He briefly worked as a trainee at an Omani airline, but Omani authorities later discovered his interest in accessing extremist websites and barred him from working in the aviation sector, after which he left Oman. Oman said it never received requests from other countries to conduct background checks on him for employment. It also noted that, under the aviation agreement between Israel and the UAE, flights between the two countries can only be operated by pilots who are UAE nationals or nationals of another country that has normalised relations with Israel, suggesting he may hold another nationality. Oman said it was not asked to provide information about him before his employment and would have shared the available information had it been requested. The authorities said this points to a possible failure in procedures under the agreement, including negligence, oversight or potentially deliberate disregard by certain parties.<h2>What happened?</h2>Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was later identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omani-pilots-barred-from-israel-flydubai-attack-raises-security-alarm-puts-spotlight-on-aviation-rule-1791090829353">Omani pilots barred from Israel? Flydubai attack raises security alarm, puts spotlight on aviation rule</a>&nbsp;As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. As the cockpit door opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

Oman says Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during flight FZ1073, was previously barred from aviation work after authorities found he accessed extremist websites. Oman said it was not asked to provide background information before his employment.

New details have emerged about the co-pilot who attacked the Indian pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israel and Oman had earlier confirmed that the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami is an Omani national. In a statement, Oman has said that the individual is an Omani national, born in the UAE. It stated that he worked for a limited period as a trainee at an Omani airline but he was barred after it was found that he used extremist websites on the internet. Oman added that he left the country after he was barred. Also Read: Flydubai attack: Israel’s security system under scrutiny According to Oman, the co-pilot's mother is of Syrian origin, and he spent a significant part of his life outside Oman, including in the UAE during his father's employment there, in Syria with his mother, and abroad for his studies. He briefly worked as a trainee at an Omani airline, but Omani authorities later discovered his interest in accessing extremist websites and barred him from working in the aviation sector, after which he left Oman. Oman said it never received requests from other countries to conduct background checks on him for employment. It also noted that, under the aviation agreement between Israel and the UAE, flights between the two countries can only be operated by pilots who are UAE nationals or nationals of another country that has normalised relations with Israel, suggesting he may hold another nationality. Oman said it was not asked to provide information about him before his employment and would have shared the available information had it been requested. The authorities said this points to a possible failure in procedures under the agreement, including negligence, oversight or potentially deliberate disregard by certain parties. What happened? Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot, who was later identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami. Also Read: Omani pilots barred from Israel? Flydubai attack raises security alarm, puts spotlight on aviation rule As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. As the cockpit door opened, passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

Oman says Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during flight FZ1073, was previously barred from aviation work after authorities found he accessed extremist websites. Oman said it was not asked to provide background information before his employment.

‘Not asked to provide information’: What Oman said about Flydubai co-pilot amid Israel’s checks

Officials in the United Arab Emirates have said that authorities shared details of passengers and crew on the FlyDubai aircraft with Israel, but it raised no concern about any of them. Associated Press reported that regional UAE officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the names and nationalities of everyone on the plane were sent to Israel.&nbsp;UAE is leading the investigation into the attempted hijacking of the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane with 182 passengers and crew witnessed a major scare when the co-pilot attacked the flight's captain with an axe, which caused the plane to plummet by several feet. It went down nearly 14,000–16,000 feet in under a minute before control was regained. The captain managed to open the cockpit door and raise an alarm, after which the off-duty pilots steadied the plane, while passengers helped subdue the attacker.<h2>How was an Omani pilot allowed on flight?</h2>Preliminary details from the investigation have revealed several major security lapses. The biggest point under the scanner is how an Omani co-pilot was allowed to be on the flight. Officials have said that his own country had barred him from flying because of his extremist views. Further, having a citizen of Oman, an Arab country with no diplomatic relations with Israel, flying a plane full of Israelis to Tel Aviv also remains a mystery.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-afraid-of-death-flydubai-co-pilot-tells-probe-team-confesses-he-wanted-to-crash-jet-1791125529918">‘Not afraid of death': Flydubai co-pilot tells probe team, 'planned to crash into Tel Aviv tower, Ben Gurion'</a>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has long-standing agreements with foreign carriers under which pilots who are citizens of nations that don’t maintain diplomatic relations with Israel are not allowed to fly into the country. Netanyahu has ordered the head of the National Security Council to have "all security aspects regarding foreign civil aviation to Israel" reviewed.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-orders-security-review-of-foreign-flights-to-israel-after-flydubai-attack-1791140574447">Netanyahu orders security review of foreign flights to Israel after flydubai attack</a>&nbsp;Sharing lists of passengers and crew is a regular practice. But it is unclear whether each and every person is vetted by authorities. The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, said the Transportation Ministry is responsible for this. Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Miri Regev said on X that her ministry did not receive a list of passengers or any warnings.&nbsp;Dvir Rubenstien, the head of aviation security at the Transportation Ministry, told Army Radio that it does not have the means to run checks on each passenger on every flight, and it relies on local security checks for this.<h2>What Oman said about the attacker co-pilot</h2>&nbsp;The Sultanate of Oman said in an official statement on Monday that the co-pilot was "an Omani national, born in the UAE, whose mother is of Syrian origin. He spent a significant part of his life outside Oman." It added, "He worked for a limited period as a trainee at an Omani airline. However, when the Omani authorities identified, at an early stage, his interest in accessing extremist websites on the internet, he was prevented from working in the aviation sector."&nbsp;Oman also clarified that the "Omani authorities were not asked to provide any information before his employment. Had such information been requested, Oman would have shared the information available on him, as it is doing now."

A list of every passenger and crew on board the FlyDubai flight was shared with Israel, but no one raised any concerns about anyone, UAE officials have reportedly said. Israeli authorities have meanwhile said they cannot vet everyone on every flight.  

Officials in the United Arab Emirates have said that authorities shared details of passengers and crew on the FlyDubai aircraft with Israel, but it raised no concern about any of them. Associated Press reported that regional UAE officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the names and nationalities of everyone on the plane were sent to Israel. UAE is leading the investigation into the attempted hijacking of the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane with 182 passengers and crew witnessed a major scare when the co-pilot attacked the flight's captain with an axe, which caused the plane to plummet by several feet. It went down nearly 14,000–16,000 feet in under a minute before control was regained. The captain managed to open the cockpit door and raise an alarm, after which the off-duty pilots steadied the plane, while passengers helped subdue the attacker. How was an Omani pilot allowed on flight? Preliminary details from the investigation have revealed several major security lapses. The biggest point under the scanner is how an Omani co-pilot was allowed to be on the flight. Officials have said that his own country had barred him from flying because of his extremist views. Further, having a citizen of Oman, an Arab country with no diplomatic relations with Israel, flying a plane full of Israelis to Tel Aviv also remains a mystery. Also Read: ‘Not afraid of death': Flydubai co-pilot tells probe team, 'planned to crash into Tel Aviv tower, Ben Gurion' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has long-standing agreements with foreign carriers under which pilots who are citizens of nations that don’t maintain diplomatic relations with Israel are not allowed to fly into the country. Netanyahu has ordered the head of the National Security Council to have "all security aspects regarding foreign civil aviation to Israel" reviewed. Also Read: Netanyahu orders security review of foreign flights to Israel after flydubai attack Sharing lists of passengers and crew is a regular practice. But it is unclear whether each and every person is vetted by authorities. The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, said the Transportation Ministry is responsible for this. Meanwhile, Transportation Minister Miri Regev said on X that her ministry did not receive a list of passengers or any warnings. Dvir Rubenstien, the head of aviation security at the Transportation Ministry, told Army Radio that it does not have the means to run checks on each passenger on every flight, and it relies on local security checks for this. What Oman said about the attacker co-pilot The Sultanate of Oman said in an official statement on Monday that the co-pilot was "an Omani national, born in the UAE, whose mother is of Syrian origin. He spent a significant part of his life outside Oman." It added, "He worked for a limited period as a trainee at an Omani airline. However, when the Omani authorities identified, at an early stage, his interest in accessing extremist websites on the internet, he was prevented from working in the aviation sector." Oman also clarified that the "Omani authorities were not asked to provide any information before his employment. Had such information been requested, Oman would have shared the information available on him, as it is doing now."

A list of every passenger and crew on board the FlyDubai flight was shared with Israel, but no one raised any concerns about anyone, UAE officials have reportedly said. Israeli authorities have meanwhile said they cannot vet everyone on every flight. &nbsp;

Israel had list of everyone on board FlyDubai flight, raised no red flags: Report

The UK Green Party has voted to adopt an anti-Zionist position at its 2026 conference, prompting Israel to bar the party's leader, Zack Polanski, from entering the country. The motion was passed by 1,022 votes and it defines Zionism as an ethnonationalist political project and states that anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism.&nbsp;A Green Party spokesperson said the decision followed a "serious and deeply felt debate" among its membership. “This has been a serious and deeply felt debate within our membership. Our members value the ability to bring forward and decide party policy, and conference has now made its decision,” the spokesperson said. The party said its position was rooted in its opposition to racism and its stated support for equality, justice and human rights. “The Green Party is an anti-racist party and has consistently opposed the illegal occupation of both Palestinian and Syrian land, called for an end to arms sales to the Israeli government and spoken out fearlessly about the devastating situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Those positions remain central to our approach. So too does our deeply held commitment to equality, justice and human rights for all and opposition to racism in all its forms,” the spokesperson added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Following the vote on the anti-Zionist policy at Green Party Conference, the 5 Green MPs, the Leader and Co-Deputy Leaders have issued a joint statement https://t.co/NcB2aljsTK&mdash; The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) <a href="https://x.com/TheGreenParty/status/2106802645600190722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-s-zack-polanski-learning-from-zohran-mamdani-green-party-leader-s-urdu-campaign-video-goes-viral-1789450758095">UK's Zack Polanski learning from Zohran Mamdani? Green party leader's Urdu campaign video goes viral</a><h2>Israel reacts to Green Party policy</h2>Following the adoption of the policy, Israel's Foreign Ministry accused the Green Party of legitimising armed struggle against Israel. "Today, the Green Party in Britain adopted a resolution equating Zionism with racism, legitimising armed struggle against Israel, and calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea” - meaning the destruction of the State of Israel," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry said it considered the resolution antisemitic under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition and accused it of denying Jewish self-determination. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar subsequently decided to bar Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering Israel. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-elections-who-is-zack-polanski-former-hypnotherapist-and-openly-gay-leader-of-the-green-party-1778136638825">UK elections: Who is Zack Polanski, former hypnotherapist and openly gay leader of the Green Party?</a>&nbsp;Polanski has led the Green Party of England and Wales since September 2025 and has served as a member of the London Assembly since 2021. He previously served as the party's deputy leader from 2022 to 2025. The contest is being closely watched as a test for Labour. His campaign style draws similarity with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The UK Green Party has formally adopted an anti-Zionist position at its 2026 conference, backing Palestinian liberation, BDS and a single democratic state in historic Palestine. Israel condemned the move and barred Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering the country.

The UK Green Party has voted to adopt an anti-Zionist position at its 2026 conference, prompting Israel to bar the party's leader, Zack Polanski, from entering the country. The motion was passed by 1,022 votes and it defines Zionism as an ethnonationalist political project and states that anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism. A Green Party spokesperson said the decision followed a "serious and deeply felt debate" among its membership. “This has been a serious and deeply felt debate within our membership. Our members value the ability to bring forward and decide party policy, and conference has now made its decision,” the spokesperson said. The party said its position was rooted in its opposition to racism and its stated support for equality, justice and human rights. “The Green Party is an anti-racist party and has consistently opposed the illegal occupation of both Palestinian and Syrian land, called for an end to arms sales to the Israeli government and spoken out fearlessly about the devastating situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Those positions remain central to our approach. So too does our deeply held commitment to equality, justice and human rights for all and opposition to racism in all its forms,” the spokesperson added.

The UK Green Party has formally adopted an anti-Zionist position at its 2026 conference, backing Palestinian liberation, BDS and a single democratic state in historic Palestine. Israel condemned the move and barred Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering the country.

UK Green Party adopts anti-Zionist position, Zack Polanski barred from Israel: What's happening

A 34-year-old woman accused of spying for China on the family of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te was arrested in the United States on Sunday (Oct 4), according to US and Taiwanese officials. The FBI detained Wanying Zhang at Los Angeles airport as she attempted to leave for China, First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said in a post on X. Zhang, who lives in Irvine, California, is accused of working as an unregistered agent of China and surveilling a "close relative of a Taiwanese government official" in the United States.&nbsp;The FBI said on its rapid response account on X that Zhang allegedly monitored Lai's son and his family, filming their home and vehicles and passing information to handlers from the People's Republic of China. Essayli said Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and sent them photos, videos and license plate information. He added that she coordinated the trip with an associate and used tradecraft to avoid detection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We just arrested a Chinese foreign agent at LAX attempting to depart for China.

Wanying Zhang, aka “Heather,” 34, of Irvine, was arrested today by @FBILosAngeles on a federal complaint charging her with acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China.

According to the affidavit, Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025 and, at the direction of PRC officials, surveilled a close relative of a Taiwanese government official, sending photos, videos, and license plate information to those officials.

She coordinated the trip with an associate and used tradecraft to avoid detection. She never notified the Attorney General she was acting for a foreign government, a federal offense.

She will appear in federal court in Los Angeles tomorrow for her initial appearance. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.&mdash; F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) <a href="https://x.com/USAttyEssayli/status/2106881078317502927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;FBI Director Kash Patel welcomed the arrest, he said America is no longer a safe place for foreign adversaries to run espionage operations. Patel also questioned how anyone could allegedly surveil a foreign leader's family on US soil for the PRC and then try to catch a flight back to Shanghai.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/dating-app-romance-nato-base-security-scare-russian-spy-1789493114791">Spanish officer sent home from NATO base over affair with 'Russian spy' | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;Lai's office condemned what it called "barbaric acts" and confirmed that the president's family had been targeted. It described the case as one of "transnational repression." Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo said such behaviour should not be tolerated in the civilised world and thanked US judicial authorities for assisting and protecting Taiwanese citizens.&nbsp;China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex the island. Lai, elected president in January 2024, has been an outspoken defender of Taiwan's sovereignty and is detested by Chinese leaders.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-knows-if-it-can-be-in-control-godfather-of-ai-china-spy-chief-back-ai-slowdown-calls-flags-political-threat-1789356804637">'Nobody knows if it can be in control': ‘Godfather’ of AI, China spy chief back AI slowdown calls, flags political threat</a>&nbsp;Taiwan's government has warned its citizens of growing risks to their safety in China and elsewhere since Beijing's ethnic unity law took effect in July. The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a "shared" national identity among ethnic groups. Overseas campaigners argue it will further erode the rights of minorities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, whom Beijing is accused of persecuting. They also point to a clause under which people can be held liable for violating the law even when outside China, saying it gives the Chinese government more justification for targeting its opponents abroad.&nbsp;Zhang is expected to make her initial appearance in federal court on Monday (Oct 5).

US authorities have arrested a woman accused of spying on the family of Taiwan's president on behalf of the Chinese government, escalating national security and foreign espionage concerns.

A 34-year-old woman accused of spying for China on the family of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te was arrested in the United States on Sunday (Oct 4), according to US and Taiwanese officials. The FBI detained Wanying Zhang at Los Angeles airport as she attempted to leave for China, First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said in a post on X. Zhang, who lives in Irvine, California, is accused of working as an unregistered agent of China and surveilling a "close relative of a Taiwanese government official" in the United States. The FBI said on its rapid response account on X that Zhang allegedly monitored Lai's son and his family, filming their home and vehicles and passing information to handlers from the People's Republic of China. Essayli said Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and sent them photos, videos and license plate information. He added that she coordinated the trip with an associate and used tradecraft to avoid detection.

US authorities have arrested a woman accused of spying on the family of Taiwan's president on behalf of the Chinese government, escalating national security and foreign espionage concerns.

US detains woman allegedly spying on Taiwanese president's family for China

In top stories today, Russia is monitoring a possible fatal pneumonic plague case after a laboratory worker died in Siberia’s Irkutsk region. Nearly 200 people are under medical observation after Daria Sh. died from an unspecified form of plague, The Moscow Times reported, quoting Alexei Tsydenov, head of the neighbouring republic of Buryatia. Irkutsk officials had earlier described the illness as a "particularly dangerous infection."In other big news of the day, the United States has moved all long-range bombers deployed at UK's RAF Fairford back to their home stations following an unspecified new threat, CNN reported, citing a US official. This comes amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged Iranian plot targeting the UK airbase. The US official told CNN that the threat is “real world incident.”Moving on, Supreme Court judge Ujjal Bhuyan has come down heavily on special intensive revision (SIR) that has resulted in large-scale deletion of names from voter lists across states. Speaking at the moot court valedictory function at Nalsar, Hyderabad on Sunday said that any process that takes away the voting rights of a huge number of Indian citizens "strike at the heart of the Constitution".Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

US President Donald Trump has claimed in a social media post that 125 million people voted in the “first round of India's Presidential Election,” confusing India with Brazil, whose first-round voting took place on Sunday (Oct 4). In the post, signed "President DJT," Trump wrote that results arrived shortly after voting closed on the same day. He contrasted this with Detroit, Philadelphia, California and other US cities and states, where he said counting "will often take weeks" with far smaller numbers. He wrote, "Rig, I mean, calculate" and concluded that "Voting in America is CORRUPT!!!"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/viral-gaffe-trump-mixes-up-india-and-brazil-in-social-post-attacking-us-voting-speed-1791181445745">Read More</a>

The Supreme Court on Monday (October 5) declined to approve an ex parte interim order to suspend Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations related to his role in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In response, the court said it must first hear the Election Commission and others.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-ex-parte-order-against-cec-seeks-response-from-election-commission-1791191998233">Read More</a>

Supreme Court refuses ex parte order against CEC, seeks response from Election Commission

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, on Thursday said that the Supreme Court has not approved any modification to Form 6 used for the inclusion of the names of first-time voters in the electoral rolls in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision. This is a direct and explicit contradiction to the ECI press note of September 26, which claimed that the Supreme Court had upheld the Form 6 declaration in the May 2026 judgment relating to Bihar SIR<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-cji-surya-kant-eci-modified-form-6-sir-1791194930792">Read More</a>

CJI Surya Kant says ECI never approved modified Form 6 for SIR

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday (October 5) for their discoveries in neuroscience. These scientists researched light-gated ion channels, a type of protein, to establish the field of optogenetics. Abdel El Manira, a member of the Nobel Committee that awarded the prize, said it is a pioneering technique that uses small lights to switch on discrete groups of neurons in the brain.

Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel win Nobel Prize in Medicine

Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Delhi Police of failing to protect women and demanded the release of the full CCTV footage from Saket police station after two women journalists alleged assault and mistreatment there last month.

'Release CCTV footage of Saket police station': Rahul Gandhi over women journalists' assault allegations

Two fake placement call centres allegedly targeting unemployed job seekers by offering lucrative employment opportunities in return for registration and processing fees have been busted near Shadipur Metro Station in central Delhi, with 11 operatives apprehended, police said on Monday.

Delhi police bust two fake job-placement call centres in central Delhi, 11 held

Following unverified reports concerning a suspected fatal case of pneumonic plague originating within Russia, Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell at the Kerala State Indian Medical Association (IMA), emphasised that health authorities are actively tracing contacts and that there is no cause for public panic or immediate threat to India.

No immediate risk to India, says Kerala medical body expert amid pneumonic plague scare in Russia

Leader of the Opposition of Lok Sabha and&nbsp;Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that women protesters and female journalists had faced mistreatment by the Delhi Police during recent incidents in the national capital and demanded accountability from the authorities. In a post on social media, Rahul Gandhi alleged that several people were detained at Jantar Mantar and claimed that women protesters had accused male police personnel of misbehaviour. “What's happening in Delhi right now follows a single pattern: silence any woman who dares to ask questions,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi questions Delhi Police over alleged mistreatment of women protesters, journalists

An Indian-born female cheetah, KJP21, gave birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park on Monday, taking the total cheetah population in India to 60, including 41 Indian-born cheetahs.&nbsp;Union Minister Bhupender Yadav shared the development, stating KJP21, a 32-month-old female cheetah, is the third Indian-born female cheetah to give birth after Mukhi and KGP12 and marked another significant milestone in the emergence of the next generation of India’s cheetah population.

Indian-born Cheetah gives birth to five cubs at Kuno, total population reaches 60

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it had not approved any modified version of Form 6 being used for enrolment of new voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said the court would examine the record to ascertain who had introduced the changes after the Election Commission claimed last week that the new declaration attached to the online Form 6 had been approved by the apex court.

"Modified Form 6 not approved by us": CJI observes on modified form cited by ECI during SIR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed centuries-old ties and unveiled an ambitious economic roadmap with Switzerland, targeting 100 billion dollars in investments and one million direct jobs over the next 15 years. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held a delegation-level meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. Following their discussions, both leaders witnessed the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), further cementing bilateral cooperation across key sectors. Following the exchange of MoUs, Prime Minister Modi delivered a joint press statement alongside the Swiss leader, where PM Modi said, "India-Switzerland friendship is centuries-old. Innovation, infrastructure and advanced technology are strong pillars of our foundation today. With the Summit today, we are going to give a new pace and height to our partnership."

PM Modi hails centuries-old India-Switzerland ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s references to the US-China alliance during World War II during his recent Washington visit have drawn criticism from analysts, who said the remarks presented a selective version of history and could serve Beijing’s broader narrative on Taiwan and Japan, The Epoch Times reported. &nbsp;During a state dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 24, Xi said that Chinese and American people had fought “shoulder to shoulder” against Japanese militarism during World War II. He also called for the two countries to use lessons from history to build a new chapter in their relations, according to The Epoch Times.

Chinese President Xi’s WWII remarks draw criticism over Taiwan, Japan's historical narrative

Hyderabad’s prolonged water and sanitation crisis continues to disrupt daily life, with residents in different parts of the city facing severe shortages, contaminated supplies and overflowing sewage, as reported by The Express Tribune. According to The Express Tribune, some neighbourhoods have been forced to depend on private water tankers, while residents elsewhere complain that foul smelling and visibly contaminated water is reaching their homes through household connections. The situation has raised concerns over the failure to address the city’s worsening water and sewerage infrastructure. Several areas, including parts of Latifabad, HDA Kohsar Housing Society Phases I and II, Daman Kohsar, Mujahid Colony, Iqbal Colony, American Quarters and Hali Road, are reportedly experiencing serious water shortages.

Pakistan: Hyderabad’s water, sewerage crisis deepens as residents battle shortages

Finnish Ambassador to India Mikko Kivikoski has praised the Indian pilot whose actions during the FlyDubai incident have drawn widespread appreciation, saying every life that can be saved in an aviation incident is “highly appreciated”. &nbsp;Speaking to ANI, the Finnish envoy was asked about the incident and the Indian pilot who has been hailed for his actions, including by global leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “When it comes to aviation and possible incidents and catastrophes, every life which can be saved is highly appreciated,” the Ambassador said.

Finnish envoy praises Capt Machchhar’s role in FlyDubai incident, says every life saved is “highly appreciated”

The United States has moved all long-range bombers deployed at UK's RAF Fairford back to their home stations following an unspecified new threat.

In top stories today, Russia is monitoring a possible fatal pneumonic plague case after a laboratory worker died in Siberia’s Irkutsk region. Nearly 200 people are under medical observation after Daria Sh. died from an unspecified form of plague, The Moscow Times reported, quoting Alexei Tsydenov, head of the neighbouring republic of Buryatia. Irkutsk officials had earlier described the illness as a "particularly dangerous infection." In other big news of the day, the United States has moved all long-range bombers deployed at UK's RAF Fairford back to their home stations following an unspecified new threat, CNN reported, citing a US official. This comes amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged Iranian plot targeting the UK airbase. The US official told CNN that the threat is “real world incident.” Moving on, Supreme Court judge Ujjal Bhuyan has come down heavily on special intensive revision (SIR) that has resulted in large-scale deletion of names from voter lists across states. Speaking at the moot court valedictory function at Nalsar, Hyderabad on Sunday said that any process that takes away the voting rights of a huge number of Indian citizens "strike at the heart of the Constitution". Stay with us for the latest news, breaking updates and developments as they unfold.

The United States has moved all long-range bombers deployed at UK's RAF Fairford back to their home stations following an unspecified new threat.

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